Just as Celine wanted to explain more about the space, the mark on her ear suddenly burned hot.
"Ah…"
Celine instinctively raised her hand to touch her earlobe.
But the burning feeling came quickly and went quickly, disappearing in an instant.
Celine immediately realized that someone was coming through the space.
To let Mother Zhou and Shenan truly feel the presence of the space, and to make them believe everything she said, Celine directly entered the space in front of them.
"Ah!"
Mother Zhou was shocked when she saw Celine suddenly disappear in front of her, and she cried out in surprise. She wanted to shout again, but Shenan stopped her.
"Mom, don't shout!"
Although Shenan was also shocked by what happened, he reacted faster than Mother Zhou.
"Xiao Bai probably went into that… so-called trading space. Don't worry, just be patient."
With Shenan comforting her, Mother Zhou slowly calmed down but still held Shenan's hand tightly.
After Celine entered the space, the sky suddenly darkened, and the lantern hanging at the door lit up.
This time, it was not the East Gate lighting up, but the West Gate.
Because of her previous experience, Celine was no longer so panicked.
But the unknown still made her nervous.
Under the dim light, the West Gate slowly opened, and the lanterns lit the path ahead.
Celine held her breath, staring at the door, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
Who would come?
From which world?
What would he bring?
Soon, a figure appeared at the West Gate.
The man wore a black robe and a jade crown holding his hair. From afar, his posture was upright and his manner noble.
Celine instantly understood that the West Gate led to the ancient times.
Unfortunately, she only knew ancient clothes from TV shows and couldn't tell the exact dynasty.
She could only guess from his graceful and proper manner that he was a nobleman.
The man walked forward and bowed to Celine: "May I ask, miss, is this place… a fairyland?"
This sudden bow confused Celine.
She didn't understand ancient etiquette and awkwardly cupped her hands and bowed.
The visitor didn't seem to mind Celine's rudeness. His sharp eyebrows were tightly knit, with a hint of lingering sadness.
This man was Hogan.
Because he tried to advise his father against killing scholars, he was banished to the northern border to help General Meng Tian build the Great Wall.
As the eldest son whom his father had high hopes for, being banished made him unhappy.
That night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep, so he went out for a walk.
Ahead, two rows of lanterns appeared faintly, guiding him to a house.
The lantern at the door said "Pawnshop." He didn't know what a pawnshop was, but thought this suddenly appearing house might be the fairyland his father was desperately searching for.
If true, he could get his father the elixir of immortality.
Celine looked at the young man's hopeful eyes and awkwardly cleared her throat.
"Sir, this place is not a fairyland. It's just… a trading space."
"Trading space?"
Hogan frowned more deeply, clearly not understanding this new word.
But the words "not a fairyland" deflated his proud posture. He visibly drooped.
The hopeful light in his eyes slowly dimmed, replaced by deep disappointment.
After a long pause, he softly said, "Does the lady know where the fairyland is?"
Celine shook her head. If she knew where the fairyland was, would she still be worried here?
But,
"Why do you want to find the fairyland, sir?"
Hogan straightened his back, his voice firm. "I want to get the elixir of immortality for my father, to continue the glory of Qin."
"Qin? The elixir of immortality?"
Celine's heart jumped suddenly, and a bold guess exploded in her mind.
Could it be...
"My charming ancestor?!"
Her exclamation confused Hogan for a moment.
What is that?
Seeing Hogan's confused look, Celine quickly asked, "Are you talking about the First Emperor of Qin?"
Hogan didn't know why the girl in front of him knew his father, but he still nodded slightly.
"My father is indeed called the First Emperor. I am truly seeking the elixir of immortality for him."
Without waiting for Hogan to finish, Celine eagerly asked again, "What is your name? What year is it now in the First Emperor's reign?"
Hogan was a little stunned by Celine's rapid questions. He collected himself and said, "My name is Hogan. Now it is the thirty-fifth year of the First Emperor's reign."
Celine felt dizzy, her head buzzing.
It really is him!
It really is Hogan!
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her excited heart, but her eyes showed excitement and curiosity she couldn't hide.
After excitement came a chill, like a bucket of ice water poured over her.
The thirty-fifth year of the First Emperor's reign!
That means, in two years, the First Emperor will die while touring the east!
When the First Emperor dies, Hogan will also surely die!
Huhai will take the throne and slaughter all his brothers and sisters. It will be a human tragedy!
In a flash, Celine remembered the crystal core Red left behind.
She kept two for her brother Shenan and gave the rest to Hogan.
"Sir."
Celine tried to keep her voice calm.
"This is not the elixir of immortality, but it is a magical item. It is very good for the body. If you wear it, unexpected things will happen."
Hogan took the crystal core with doubt.
It felt warm in his hand, but the moment he touched it, a force like a tide struck his body, cleansing his organs in a way that felt very comfortable.
Just as Celine said, it was a magical thing!
He looked up in surprise, his eyes shining again. "Miss, such a magical item, what should I use to trade for it?"
Celine wanted to say she would give it for free, but thinking of her current trouble, she bit her lip and looked at the jade ornament hanging from Hogan's waist.
"This will do."
Hogan was surprised. He didn't expect such a magical item to be traded for just one jade piece.
He felt a bit guilty. "Next time, I will bring enough money to trade properly."
Celine nodded. She took off an old-fashioned key carved with the character "West" and handed it to Hogan.
Hogan took the key, not understanding.
Celine pointed to the west gate. "Next time you come, use this!"
Hogan suddenly understood. He thanked Celine and turned to leave.