Dance Of The Dragons
Chapter 365 : Adventure In The Human Realm (5)

Chapter 365: Chapter 365 : Adventure In The Human Realm (5)

A palpable tension hung heavy in the air of Fuxi Palace as the news of the twins’ disappearance reverberated through its halls. The entire staff, from the highest-ranking guards to the lowliest servants, buzzed with worry and anticipation, mirroring the anxieties of the family within.

It was not until Zhang Fengxi arrived with his two sons tightly clutched in his arms, that the tension finally gave way to a wave of relief.

Lady Song, the grandmother of the twins, was in a state of utter despair. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her grandsons tightly, her voice choked with sobs. "Mingrui, Junjie, why are you two so naughty? You are going to be the last two nails in my coffin!"

The twins, overwhelmed by their grandmother’s grief and the stern faces surrounding them, offered their apologies in muffled voices, their small hands clutching their grandmother’s robe.

"Grandma, I am sowwy..."

"Grandma, don’t cry..."

Consumed by worries, Jiang Muchen almost ripped all hair out of his head as he waited in Fuxi Palace. He had the good sense to send an urgent message to his mother, lest Xie Jianshen could no longer contain himself and decide to personally descend to the Human Realm to look for the twins.

The Fire Guardian, his expression stern and unwavering, addressed the boys. "Mingrui, Junjie," he said, his voice firm, "let me make this perfectly clear: your actions were foolish and irresponsible. There is no excuse good enough for venturing into the Human Realm on your own. You must never repeat this mistake."

Zhang Fengxi, his eyes blazing with fury, ground his teeth together. "Rest assured," he growled, "they won’t. Starting tomorrow, both of you will be under constant watch. No more freedom for you. You will only be allowed to leave Fuxi Palace for your studies at the Golden Dragon Palace, and upon the conclusion of the class, you will come straight home. Understand?"

Zhang Mingrui, his face contorted in misery, whimpered, "But Daddy, we want to play with the other children..."

"No more playing," Zhang Fengxi snapped. "Your playtime is over. As soon as you arrive home every day, you will kneel at the ancestral hall and reflect on your transgressions. Afterward, you will apologize to your mother for your reckless behavior. He did not give birth to you so that you can throw away your lives for a worthless toy."

The twins, tears streaming down their faces, began to wail in unison. "Daddy, we are sorry..." they cried, their voices filled with regret and despair.

Lady Song watched as the two boys sobbed uncontrollably in her embrace. Though fury burned in her heart at their recklessness, it was quickly doused by a wave of compassion. These were but five-year-old children, their faces streaked with tears, their small bodies trembling with remorse. The thought of them spending their childhood confined within the walls of Fuxi Palace, kneeling and apologizing for their innocent mistake, was unbearable.

"Fengxi..." Lady Song called out to her son to make him reconsider the boys’ punishment, but Zhang Fengxi held a hand up, indicating his unwillingness to listen.

"It is late," he reasoned. "We all need to rest for the night. Mingyu, Qingyun, prepare my sons for bed."

Zhang Fengxi shed his armor, exchanging it for the comfort of his sleeping robe. Yet, instead of succumbing to the beckoning slumber of his bed, he found himself drawn to the mausoleum.

There, as always, lay Xie Jianyu, the Crown Prince, lost in the tranquil depths of sleep amidst a bed of vibrant red orchids. He remained oblivious to the chaos their sons had unleashed.

"Jianbao..." Zhang Fengxi murmured, leaning down to place a kiss on his beloved’s lips. "Our sons journeyed to the Human Realm today, chasing after a lost toy."

The absurdity of the excuse struck Zhang Fengxi, a flicker of amusement momentarily erasing the anger simmering within. He sighed heavily, pressing a hand against his face.

"They claimed they were nearly captured by humans who wished to devour them," he continued, voice tinged with frustration. "I am just..."

He trailed off, tilting his head back and closing his eyes in resignation. The fear that had gripped him like a vice refused to loosen its hold.

"I was so terrified," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "What if something had happened to them? I don’t think I could bear the pain."

"Baby, I need you. If only you were here..."

A low growl escaped his lips as he bowed his head before his wife’s sleeping form. It wasn’t fair to say those words. He knew that more than everyone else.

If only he could choose, Xie Jianyu would want to be with them. He would be the calming presence their sons desperately needed. They loved him, even without a single word exchanged. His pheromones alone were enough to bring them peace.

"Jianbao, I love you. I miss you. Our sons miss you dearly too. Baby, please come back soon..."

Zhang Fengxi’s hand gently traced the contours of Xie Jianyu’s face, his touch filled with a longing that transcended time. He lowered himself closer to Xie Jianyu, his lips finding his in a kiss that spoke of love and loss in equal measure.

Each touch, each caress, was a desperate attempt to bridge the chasm that separated them. He poured his heart into the kisses, hoping that every connection would somehow penetrate the veil of death and reach the soul lost in the Human Realm.

A sob, echoing from beyond the mausoleum doors, shattered the hushed intimacy of the moment. Zhang Fengxi abruptly ended his kiss, his gaze shifting towards the entrance.

"I thought I told you to go to bed," he said, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.

The door creaked open, revealing two small figures with tear-stained faces.

"Daddy, wuwuwuwu..." they whimpered in unison, their voices trembling with fear and remorse.

"Begging is of no use," Zhang Fengxi declared, his tone firm. "Your punishment stands, whether you like it or not."

"We won’t play after class again," Xie Junjie vowed, his lower lip trembling uncontrollably. "We will kneel at the ancestral hall and apologize to Mommy every day."

"..." Zhang Fengxi remained silent, watching his sons’ tears fall like rain.

"But Daddy please don’t be mad anymore, wuwuwu..." Zhang Mingrui pleaded, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand.

A heavy sigh escaped Zhang Fengxi’s lips. He smoothed the creases on Xie Jianyu’s quilt before rising to his feet. Kneeling before his sons, he gathered them into a warm embrace.

"Don’t cry, my babies," he murmured, showering both sons with kisses and coaxing them with gentle words. "Be good, I won’t be angry anymore..."