pertwk Page 8
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Even if a god gives you a missionary book, you must be grateful and memorize it word for word. Those who disobey will face a terrible fate.
“You don’t need to be so modest. I can see your talent with my divine eyes.” Pointing to his own blue eyes, Apollo said with certainty, “Blessed by light, controlled by ether, and with an indomitable will. These are just some of the things I can see that prove your talent. Although I don’t want to admit it, Hera’s judgment of people is not bad.”
While it's certainly nice to be praised by the gods, the vocabulary you used has absolutely nothing to do with rhythm or melody.
Bai Zhi gave an awkward but polite smile.
The Greek Runaway Prince: Chapter Thirteen - The Scorching Sun Will Clear Away Obstacles in Your Path
The Temple of Apollo Epicurus in Basel, Greece.
As dawn breaks, the melodious tune will resonate throughout the surrounding city and forest.
The melody is melodious and varied, rising and falling, a duet with a main and supporting accompaniment.
The residents surrounding Barcelona opened their sleepy eyes upon hearing the music, quietly listening to the blessings of their god Apollo.
The music started at 5 a.m. and lasted for an hour until 6 a.m., during the workday.
After a month and a half, even ordinary people who do not understand music can hear the hope, aspirations, and desires for the prosperity and enlightenment of life contained in the music, and are moved and reflect upon it.
The stingy merchants destroyed the counterfeit goods, the petty thieves found work to make a living, and the royal nobles who used to look down on the poor toned down their gaze.
Wearing a long robe and a veil to conceal his figure and appearance, Bai Zhi walked through the city. He had witnessed the changes in the city, which were significant. Even the bandits who used to rob outside the city had transformed into hunters.
Back at the Temple of Apollo, holding the seven-stringed lyre, Bai Zhi's gaze was slightly complicated.
He witnessed the changes firsthand. If it were at the beginning, he could have said that Apollo's divine power influenced the thinking of ordinary people.
However, he was in charge of the piano playing for the latter half of the month, and the more outstanding his piano skills became, the better the atmosphere of the city became.
"To convey my heart's wishes for beauty to others through music..." Bai Zhi murmured to herself, then suddenly smiled, "It feels like a Greek story, even though this is Greek."
As he laughed, his fingers plucked the strings of his instrument, and the melodious prelude filled the temple. He slowly closed his emerald eyes.
He began to recall Apollo's meticulous and selfless teachings during this period, and the melodies he conveyed through the music, reflecting his inner thoughts and feelings.
What does life mean to me?
The prince's life of luxury was usurped by his relatives, who sent troops to hunt him down. He refused to give up and stubbornly tried to fight for a chance to survive.
Born as artificial human test subjects who can be replaced at any time, they helplessly endure human experimentation, instilled with the idea that the value of life belongs to destiny, yet still believe that they were born as human beings and have a yearning for freedom.
Growing up in a rigidly ordered country, life followed the rules like a cog in a machine. An unexpected disaster struck, and he was abandoned by his people and the established order. However, he did not feel hopeless and sought out and created his own way to change his life.
Since becoming conscious, they have been poor people with no status, their lives as fragile as paper. When they grasped the helping hand extended to them, they felt that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude. Even if their benefactor suffered misfortune, they would still never forget to repay the initial kindness.
Reincarnation brought him too many benefits. Perhaps, even without Bai Zhi's ability to share space, Bai Zhi in each world could live out her own brilliance.
Gradually, he opened his eyes.
Sunlight streamed down the young man's body as he played a captivating piano piece, his blond hair gleaming in the sunlight.
Apollo watched Bai Zhi from a distance. In the eyes of the god, the ethereal element of light lingered around the boy, a thorny halo appeared above his head, and three pairs of light wings sprouted from his back.
A clear, melodious zither tune rang out, and an invisible golden sound wave spread outwards.
In Apollo's eyes, Bai Zhi was still immature, should Apollo play her music seriously.
Upon hearing the music, all things bloom, and nature is in harmony;
Upon hearing the music, the conflict ceased, and the battle among the gods stopped.
Upon hearing the music, the nine Muses embellished and harmonized the melody.
Apollo, the god of music, was so skilled with the lyre that even Ragnarok would pause for his music.
This is the understanding of a deity.
The song is over.
“I was right, you are indeed talented. I understand now why Artemis blessed you.” Silently approaching the boy, Apollo recalled his twin sister’s personality. Although the two hadn’t spent much time together, they could understand each other’s inner thoughts through the changes in the city.
Unlike the perception of heroes in this era, Bai Zhi is not brave and her strength mostly relies on physical attributes, but she still doesn't deserve a place among the ranks of heroes.
But this spirit, which seems to have witnessed evil yet still yearns for a better future, is the real reason that attracts the gods.
"It is all thanks to Lord Apollo's teachings. My previous learning was far too shallow. He truly deserves the title of a god who has mastered the art of the lyre."
Bai Zhi answered with utmost seriousness, and these were all his true feelings. His attitude towards the art of playing the zither had changed, and it was now at least a milestone in his life.
In this regard, the court musician's teachings at most laid the foundation, while Apollo's teachings reinforced that foundation and, in turn, built and trimmed a skyscraper.
“What a wonderful child. It’s not good for Hera to have her all to herself. It’s too easy for her.” Apollo’s lips curled up, and his gaze toward Bai Zhi carried a meaningful meaning: “I am not only good at playing the lyre, but I also know about other instruments. I can teach you more. You are really talented.”
What kind of joke are you talking about? More? I haven't even mastered the seven-stringed zither, let alone anything more. Besides, I don't have the time for that.
Bai Zhi broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly refused: "Lord Apollo, please don't joke. Even under your guidance, I still have a long way to go in my musical skills. Just this one skill alone would take me a lifetime to master, and I can't spare any more energy."
"Hahaha—you child, you are indeed interesting." Apollo laughed until tears streamed down his face, and said regretfully, "I really wanted to keep you by my side, but unfortunately, there are still ten gods waiting for you. Although I am not happy with Hera, if she gets really angry, I will not have a good time either."
He wasn't angry at all; on the contrary, he was very happy, a happy feeling tinged with a little regret.
Therefore, we cannot simply let Angelica dahurica go, otherwise...
"Diomedes, I make a pact with you. When you believe your lyre playing has reached its ultimate peak, play me a piece. I want to hear the melody of your final achievement," Apollo asked Bai Zhi.
Apollo gave the choice to Angelica dahurica.
No one can truly deceive themselves. When he finally went to the appointment, he hoped to hear a melody that would please even the god of music.
In this regard.
Apollo stretched out his palm and pointed a finger at Bai Zhi's chest, specifically at her heart.
The scorching sun will clear away any obstacles in your path.
"This is the reward the gods have prepaid, my blessing, and my protection, Diomedes. When you reach the end, I expect your return."
The silver crystal at the heart location grew larger and larger, replaced by specks of orange light.
Under the blazing sun, the heat continuously grew stronger within his body. The sun's power nourished Bai Zhi's body, making him stronger. Orange lines appeared on his skin, and as time passed, the energy within his body became even more powerful.
"Cough cough."
Suddenly, Bai Zhi couldn't help but cough a few times.
The Greek Runaway Prince: Chapter Fourteen - My lifespan is like a candle flickering in the wind?
The sun's blessing, power, and magic change dramatically with the time of day. Its power gradually increases as the sun rises, reaching its peak at noon, as if Apollo himself intervened, and returns to its original state at sunrise and dusk.
Bai Zhi was fully aware of the meaning behind this power, yet he was unable to accept it.
Apollo's blessing caused Bai Zhi's already incurable illness to relapse, and combined with Artemis' blessing, her illness became even more severe.
From now on, Bai Zhi will spend every 24 hours of the day in a state of illness and weakness.
The feeling in my body was like being stuffed but still eating, like I was about to burst.
Could you give me a seal, the kind that I have the right to break?
“Your aptitude is excellent, but you have an innate deficiency that even the blessings of Artemis and me cannot compensate for,” Apollo said, as if he understood what Bai Zhi wanted to say.
He was not referring to the ineffectiveness of divine blessings, but rather to the fact that mortal bodies are unable to bear divine power.
The problem with Bai Zhi right now is that the blessing of the Moon Goddess alone has already overloaded her weak constitution. Adding the blessing of the God of Light is like forcibly adding another bottle of water to a cup that is already full.
The fact that his body hasn't collapsed at this moment is a blessing that is sustaining his life.
“Lord Apollo…” Bai Zhi showed the expression of a small animal that had been abandoned.
However, his actions did not resemble a plea for help; rather, they had a threatening tone.
With a light step, his ankle sank directly into the ground, Bai Zhi's face contorted slightly, the discomfort making him very uncomfortable.
“I have given you enough help. The task now rests with the other gods.” Apollo stroked Bai Zhi’s golden hair, its smooth texture making him reluctant to let go. He couldn’t help but remind her, “Don’t worry, the god who will guide you on your next path has arrived. You will recover soon.”
A guiding deity? Does that mean there are at least two gods around me?
Suddenly realizing that two major troubles were converging, Bai Zhi momentarily ignored her discomfort.
You should know that in Greek mythology, you can't just see the gods whenever you want; if they don't want to see you, you can't kneel to death and expect to see them.
On the contrary, if the gods want to see you, you can't hide from them.
What ability do I possess to deserve such an honor?
As Bai Zhi remained silent, a clear voice uttered words that annoyed him.
“Apollo, you’re such a spoilsport. I was planning to step in and save Diomedes when he reached his limit, so that my reliable image would remain in the child’s heart forever.”
A blond young man entered the temple entrance. He wore a feathered hat, flying sandals, carried a staff of two serpents, and had a playful expression on his face.
“Oh, I am Hermes, a god who never lies and is trustworthy.”
What nonsense are you spouting, you god who holds the power of theft and lies?
And I haven't forgotten what you just said.
Bai Zhi resisted the urge to roll her eyes and honestly replied, "Lord Hermes."
The gods may be kind and approachable, but that doesn't mean we can respond with the same attitude.
"Enough, Hermes. You dared to show your face in my temple, you must have been prepared for this," Apollo said menacingly.
His bull was stolen by Hermes years ago. Although Hermes compensated him afterward, he rarely dared to appear before Apollo unless by divine decree.
But now they've come directly to the temple.
Hermes, you've gotten carried away.
"Wait, I came here for the child." Hermes quickly clarified. The tragic memory of being chased by chariots still haunted him, and he dared not act recklessly in front of Apollo.
"You also know about Diomedes' condition. The blessings of two gods are not something a mortal can withstand. Seven days and nights have passed. If the problem is not resolved by then, Hera will have to go to Hades in the underworld to ask for Diomedes' return."
Wait a minute? Did I just hear something ominous?
Bai Zhi's eyes widened.
"Seven days and nights, I'll die in seven days?!"
"That's right, with a bang, it exploded into a bloody mist."
Hermes answered very sincerely, but Bai Zhi detected a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Disgusting god.
He silently cursed Apollo in his heart, then gazed at him without a word.
Apollo turned his head and looked away, saying, "Well, Artemis has made a blessing, so you can only go down one path and there is no way back. You can either wait to die under the blessing of the moon goddess, or collect the blessings of other gods and grow to a level that can withstand the power."
The power of the gods is beyond what humans can withstand. Artemis's blessing had already sown the seeds of decay in Bai Zhi's congenitally weak body.
As the saying goes, you have to use the power of magic to defeat magic.
To counteract the collapse of divine blessings, divine blessings must be used to offset the side effects.
“But I cannot even withstand the power of Lady Artemis, let alone the power of the gods. Moreover, I cannot even accept the power of Lord Apollo.”
Bai Zhi was panicked, extremely panicked. No one can remain calm and composed when they know their death is imminent.
However, he hadn't given up hope. If things truly reached a point of no return, Hera, the Queen of the Gods, wouldn't stand idly by. He just didn't know what Artemis's intentions were in bestowing her blessing upon him...
I guess I didn't think about anything and just did it on a whim.
At that moment, Artemis, who was being scolded by Hera, sneezed and had no idea why she was being scolded by Hera.
"As a messenger of the gods, I can show you a way to survival, but you must agree to one of my requests. As for the reward, it will be my blessing."
With a look of 'You're trying to kill me quickly' in Bai Zhi's eyes, Hermes smiled and waved his scepter.
A faint fluctuation of divine power appeared around Bai Zhi, and the pain and swelling disappeared. He straightened up, looking puzzled.
"I have used divine power to deceive your body. For seven days, you will not suffer pain, but the price is that after seven days, everything I have deceived will be revealed instantly." Hermes said some rather inhuman things.
Haha, thank you so much for letting me live peacefully for seven days before finally setting my death date. How could I possibly bear the weight of seven days' worth of suffering?
"How could I refuse the request of the gods?" Bai Zhi chose to follow her heart.
“Alright, Inakos has a beautiful daughter named Io. Now, due to some unavoidable circumstances, she has turned into a white cow and is imprisoned by the hundred-eyed giant Argos. When you grow to the point where I think you are old enough to complete the commission, you will need to unconditionally work with me to complete this commission.”
Hermes didn't immediately order Bai Zhi to deal with the Hundred-Eyed Giant, so he still has some conscience... what a load of rubbish!
Does this scumbag god think I'm not miserable enough?!