The Urban Dao Child

Yang Dao and Laohu Bai flew in the sky for a long time, on the way Yang Dao spotted a few Elemental Vessels, but he did not board them. He saw that other than different decorations and sizes; they were all same.

Theseus and Djomdar had told him they were merchants and their business was to allow people to travel between the two kingdoms. Despite the war going on the two kingdoms allowed civilian life to be as far from it as possible.

This was the decree of the last Dao child who appeared here. Since that person could not find the solution for this situation, he/she commanded the people of the world to leave the civilians out of it and not to force everyone. They thought that the war will calm down on its own. They found a temporary balance that if the armies and the rulers are waring, then let the civilians be peaceful with each other.

Yang Dao asked, “Baibai, did you all not question or guide the Dao Child when they were passing on these decisions? I mean, how did they even get the title of Dao Child. They say heavens never make mistakes, so how come they all failed?”

Laohu Bai replied, “The heavens never make mistakes, Dao. However, it provides the people with their own thinking, as the people learn, they decide. Someone will try to gain something but they will lose something as well.” Her tone was calm and patient.

Yang Dao nodded and said, “Cause and Effect. Well, I will try to rectify this, also, I can command you right?”

Laohu Bai nodded and said, “Yes, you can command me.”

The boy smiled and said, “Now, I have two commands for you. One is that you stop me from making any silly mistakes like my predecessors, and you can roast me for that. Okay?”

“You said so yourself.” said the white-haired girl.

Yang Dao nodded and said, “Second, is that we land and eat food, I see a city approaching.”

Laohu Bai smiled and the two people softly landed on the ground. The city is front had tall walls, mounted with some defense weapons. A contingent of soldiers was also visible patrolling the parameters, a few people were standing outside in a queue to enter the city. Yang Dao and Laohu Bai came over and stood in the queue.

The two attracted a lot of attention. The soldiers all stopped and suddenly the soldiers knelt, followed by the civilians. They all faced Yang Dao and Laohu Bai. The boy shook his head and said, “Please stand up. Carry on the usual operations.”

The soldiers were surprised, but in the past, they have heard that some emissaries were really humble and they did not ask for any special treatment. Soon they all stood up and one soldier said, “Lord, you can go inside the city first.”

The civilians also agreed but Yang Dao shook his head, “It is alright, we are in no hurry, but the elders and aunties can go in first.” his voice and charming smile won the hearts of these simple people.

Laohu Bai stood beside him and soon it was their turn to enter the city. The soldier on duty said, “Lord, you do not need to pay for entry.”

Yang Dao was about to ask when Laohu Bai, behind him, said, “Dao, it is fine. Let us go in.”

The boy nodded, and the two walked inside the city under the respectful gazes of the people. The soldier said, “This boy was the emissary of heavens? He sure has the charm.”

“Yeah, let’s see if he has the strength as well.” said another guy.

…

The city of light was the only city in the kingdom of light. It followed a circular layout. It was like a layer of buildings. The outer layer was the biggest and the core was the smallest. The outermost circle was for farmers, then came businessmen, then the government and military area, and in the center, the royal palace.

Yang Dao has been craving food and now even his stomach growled. He asked a passerby, “Excuse me, brother.” his voice attracted a person who was passing from the side. He was shocked to see the clothes Yang Dao wore. Before he could react, the boy asked, “Can you tell me where I can find a place to eat food?”

The man pointed his hand and spoke with a stutter, “Moonlight Inn.” Yang Dao thanked him and moved forward before the person knelt. He did not want these people to kneel to him, so to save himself from the repeated persuasion of making people stand it was better he vanished quickly. ρꪖꪕᦔꪖꪕꪫꪣꫀ​ꪶ​

Laohu Bai understood his mood and followed him with an amused reaction. She has seen the records of how Yang Dao’s predecessors all came up with different solutions for this problem. Some would issue decrees, while some would try to avoid going out among the people. However, never has she read about a guy who would shy away from it.

This was the difference between Yang Dao and the rest of the people. He was never eager to be treated like high and mighty. The two quickly came to the Inn, a waitress, ten years old, greeted them and led them to a table.

The girl seemed to do not know about their status and treated them normally, much to Yang Dao’s liking. The boy asked, “Little Sister, what is your name?”

The girl looked very adorable, with slight baby fat on her cheeks and two dimples on her cheeks. She had brownish curly hair and silver eyes. The girl smiled and said, “Jenna. What can I get you, two guests?”

Yang Dao nodded when he saw the girl acting professionally. Yang Dao said, “Two servings of your best dish, then two servings of the best dessert, also tell me how much will it cost.”

Jenna replied, “That would be ten rays.”

Ray was the currency of the kingdom of light. Yang Dao turned his head to Laohu Bai, who blinked at him, showing that it is fine to eat here, and she has the money covered. Yang Dao nodded, and the girl went back to the kitchen to get the food.

After ten minutes, she came back holding two big pots. She said, “This is a spicy fruit soup. It is a blend of two opposite flavors please try. I will get your dessert ready.” with that said she went back to the kitchen.

Yang Dao sniffed and smiled. He said, “Baibai, this is a cold soup and I can smell a spice similar to chili flakes in it.”

Laohu Bai nodded and the two people took a sip. The blend of chill and spice exploded in their mouths. Yang Dao liked it a lot. He drank the soup slowly, savoring every sip. Laohu Bai said, “Do you know why this is the best dish here?”

The boy nodded. “A previous Dao Child left it here, probably. The dish is so good that it can be called perfect because the favors are in balance. It was probably his effort to fix the situation in this place.”

Laohu Bai nodded and was about to say something when the little girl arrived with two small bowls of dessert. It had a pleasant smell on it. Yang Dao asked, “What is this?”

The girl replied, “Apple Pie.” with a sweet smile on his face. The girl placed the food on the table and the two people ate it. Yang Dao closed his eyes and said, “Really, apple pie. How come they have apples here?”

Laohu Bai said, “One predecessor, planted them here. Now the people use it,”

Yang Dao shook his head and said, “This should not have been how they handled this thing. You just entered a different world and introduced the thing that never existed or was suitable for the place? This is also disabling this place.”

The two people were eating suddenly they heard a loud voice, “HOW DARE YOU SMEAR MY CLOTHES.” followed by a loud slap.

Slap

Yang Dao looked over and he was enraged. The little girl Jenna was beaten harshly for a minor mistake. The so-called smear was two drops of curry on the shoes. The person who beat her stood up from his chair and walked towards the little girl, scaring her.

Jenna said, “Sir, please forgive me, I did not do that on purpose.”

The man sneered and said, “You will pay me.” and reached out his hand to grab the girl when a slender white palm caught his arm.

The figure who blocked was Yang Dao. He said, “Sir, mistakes happen. You are rich and powerful, let bygones with bygones. How about I invite you for a light meal?”

His question was polite and straight to the heart. The man did not put Yang Dao in his eyes. His gaze fell on Laohu Bai and they shone with unrestrained lust.

He smiled at Yang Dao and said, “Brother, I accept your offer. I will take this meal. My name is Samson.”

“Yang Dao, nice to meet you.” said the boy. He sent away the little girl and the three people chatted.