I Came From Heaven [Transmigration/Time-Travel] - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

“Celestial Dynasty? That’s unusual; this is the first time I’ve heard of such a country,” the ‘Air Conditioner’ said skeptically.

He continued to eye me up and down. It was highly likely that my completely out-of-place attire made him believe my story. Seizing the opportunity, I took the iPad out of my bag. When the iOS system screen lit up, everyone present was visibly astonished, staring at the object in my hand as if they had seen a priceless treasure.

I opened the camera, walked closer to the ‘Air Conditioner,’ and, acting entirely familiar, hooked my arm around his shoulder: “Come on, come on, smile for the camera.”

Click! I snapped a photo. The ‘Air Conditioner’ looked at the picture on the screen. Although his expression remained unchanged, he reached out and swiped the screen a few times, his tone full of surprise: “Why are we in there?”

“That’s a principle I can’t explain to you, as you wouldn’t understand. I can only tell you that our Great Celestial Dynasty is a place of Tiangong Kaiwu (Heavenly Craftsmanship) and wonder, where countless rare artifacts exist.”

I have a silver tongue and could ramble on endlessly, but I decided to spare him. It wouldn’t be fun if this guy got overly curious and snatched my iPad. I quickly put the object back into my bag, waiting for the guy in front of me to ask more questions. At that moment, a guard cupped his hands and bowed: “My lord, time is running short. We should continue our journey.”

Acknowledging the guard, the ‘Air Conditioner’ gathered the ankle-length lanshan robe with both hands, stood up, and commanded: “Let’s go.”

Although I wasn’t sure if they would let me follow, I brazenly tagged along, trotting a few steps behind them. When we rounded the big bend in the mountain road, several large horses and a carriage came into view. I widened my eyes to examine the carriage: it had a gold-painted roof, and standing outside was a well-mannered maid.

The style of these Great Xuan people strongly resembled the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The maid was wearing a long, sheer gauze robe, her exposed white skin three inches below her neck was alluring, and her forehead was adorned with a small crimson cloud pattern. Her hair was styled in twin loops. The ‘Air Conditioner’ walked straight to the carriage. He simply nodded to the maid, lifted the curtain, and ducked inside.

I tried to follow him toward the carriage but was stopped by a guard. I yelled at the top of my lungs: “My lord! Oh, my lord! What about me? Where do I sit?”

The ‘Air Conditioner’ poked his head out of the small side window of the carriage and looked at me: “You ride a horse with them. Follow me to Cangshun Prefecture in Hongzhou.”

Huh? Ride a horse… I don’t know how to ride a horse! He stared at me for a while, then waved his hand, signaling the guards to take me away. Damn it! Do these strong men eat kidney tonic? They are all ridiculously burly! One of them casually grabbed the back of my collar like I was a small chick.

I didn’t even have to worry about how to get on the horse because the guy simply hoisted me onto the horseback with one arm. Honestly, even without a fear of heights, suddenly being on a horse, and the animal threatening to buck a few times, scared the pee out of me.

The burly man pushed me, making space on the saddle, and I nervously shifted my body. He then smoothly stepped into the stirrup and sat down behind me.

Initially, I was filled with immense curiosity. After all, I had never ridden a horse in my life. So, amidst the rushing wind, I was incredibly excited. I was possessed by the spirit of the monk Tang Sanzang, constantly asking loudly:

“Big Brother, what was that place we’re going to again? Oh, Cangshun Prefecture, how long will it take?”

He ignored me.

“Hey, buddy, your lord looks like he comes from a wealthy family. What kind of business are they in?”

He ignored me.

“Yo, brother, since you won’t talk to me, let me sing you a song… The man who tames horses~ you are mighty and strong~”

He still ignored me…

However, after what felt like an eternity, I was a wreck. I simply could not tolerate the constant up-and-down jarring motion. The continuous bobbing made me feel like I had Nezha, the turbulent young god, churning the sea in my stomach. I held onto the saddle with one hand and covered my mouth with the other. I, Ji Sijie, who had been on every form of transport—sea, land, and air—and never suffered from motion sickness, was getting horse sickness!

Swallowing hard, I shouted again, almost tearfully: “My friend, I really can’t stand it! Please let me down, I want to throw up! If I puke on the horse’s head, the horse won’t be happy!”

Is he a robot? Bah! Even AI would give you a response! The guy behind me completely ignored me. What is going on?! He just kicked the horse’s flank, speeding up. I covered my mouth again. If I wasn’t dependent on him right now, I would seriously want to kill him with a brick.

Soon, the horse we were riding reached the carriage. The burly man behind me spoke loudly: “My lord, this young man wishes to dismount.”

The person who lifted the small window curtain was the maid. She nodded knowingly, then stepped back and whispered something to the ‘Air Conditioner.’ He waved his hand, and that was that. It seemed he had granted permission, because our horse slowed down and finally stopped.

When a person is desperate, their mind goes blank. Even though I didn’t know how to dismount, I bravely stepped on the stirrup and jumped down, landing perfectly in a posture known as ‘dog eating shit.’ Staggering to my feet, I brushed the dust off my clothes. My head was spinning. I wobbled to the side of a patch of grass. Just as I bent my knees, the feeling of my stomach overturning rushed to my brain.

With a loud “Wah!” What could I possibly throw up? I had only eaten one Sachima snack—the only one in this world! It hadn’t even been converted into fat before it was regurgitated. My heart ached. I stayed bent over for a moment until I felt better. I looked up and saw that everyone had stopped for me because I couldn’t be left behind.

Seizing the opportunity while everyone was still on horseback, I quickly ran to the carriage and tapped the side: “Kind-hearted lord, please see this good deed through! Please have mercy, okay? I cannot ride that horse; my head is spinning terribly!”

Being shameless pays off. Before the guards could dismount and catch me, the maid once again opened the curtain. She looked arrogant, and her tone was full of self-satisfaction: “My master performs good deeds daily to build up merit. Consider yourself lucky today. Get in.”

I adjusted my backpack, held my head high, and walked toward the carriage door. Before climbing in, I didn’t forget to make a smug, triumphant face at the burly men. I quickly scrambled inside. The ‘Air Conditioner’s’ gaze fell on me. The maid was sitting next to him. Since the space was small, I could only sit huddled in a small corner by the door, wrapping my arms around my knees.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward. Should I try to make conversation? What if they ignore me? That would be degrading. If I don’t talk, are the three of us just going to stare at each other? So, how does that song lyric go again… right… the quiet air is the most frightening! Finally, I cleared my throat: “My lord, to receive your favor and travel a distance today, Sijie owes you a great debt. In the future, if you ever need Sijie, Sijie is willing to shed his blood and lay down his life.”

The ‘Air Conditioner’ raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his face. He didn’t answer me. I knew it! They ignore me! Is it fashionable in this world to be aloof? Left with no choice, I leaned back and began thinking in silence, trying to clear my thoughts.

First, I was hit by a car and died. Next, I transmigrated into a fictional dynasty. Then, I met this group of people who are clearly not ordinary. Finally, I’m heading with them to a place called Cangshun Prefecture. But once I reach the destination, what should I do? So, I swallowed my pride again and asked:

“My lord, as you know, I’m new here and know nothing about this country. So… once we arrive in Cangshun Prefecture…”

Before I could finish, the ‘Air Conditioner’ frowned impatiently: “We have never met before. I am only kindly giving you a ride. Once we arrive in Cangshun Prefecture, our connection ends.”

Oh, really? I was planning to see if I could beg for a small, odd job from him. This guy actually saw through my thoughts. Fine, if you won’t help, don’t help. I shrugged it off. I reached up and rubbed the bridge of my nose, pouting sullenly, and didn’t say any more.

Although I have been naturally optimistic since I was a child, I was sad at this moment. My parents worked hard for most of their lives to raise me, and I lost my life before I could even repay them. I don’t know how they are doing now. Ji Sijie, Ji Sijie, on your good day of starting a new job, why did you only think of treating yourself? You should have gone home to spend time with your parents.

I lowered my eyes and took my wallet out of my backpack. Inside was a family photo of the three of us. Perhaps no one could understand how all my concern and reluctance surged through every nerve in my brain, hitting my tear ducts and making my nose sting. Feeling a gaze on me, I looked up at the ‘Air Conditioner.’ He was resting his head on one hand, looking amused, as if watching a good show.

What are you looking at? Look one more time, and I’ll drink you! My mournful gaze made the smile on his face deepen. Finally, he spoke slowly: “Tell me about your Celestial Dynasty. What kind of country is it?”