That's right, in some aspects, I could certainly hold my own!
Meanwhile, outside the vine-covered cave, Luo En carefully checked the hounds by his side, then turned his head towards the restored stone wall, a smirk curving his lips.
His wine was not so easily enjoyed, for it was infused with the madness of his Divinity.
So, little lamb, you'd better hold on a little longer.
The next morning, at dawn.
A sound of rough hooves and the loud neighing of warhorses awakened everyone from their sleep.
In an instant, everyone was on alert, rushing out of the camp.
However, amidst the tense atmosphere, they saw Pan, who had visited the night before, arriving at the camp early in the morning.
Moreover, he was leading dozens of magnificent warhorses behind him.
"Lord Apollo, last night I only had time to select a gift for Lady Artemis, and I forgot to prepare one for you. So today, I have brought the warhorses that I've carefully bred as an offering to you," Pan said.
Seeing the smiling sheepish face before him, and the warhorses behind Pan, Apollo was at first taken aback, but then he wore a pleased expression and nodded slightly in satisfaction.
Although he didn't care much for the shepherd god's little gesture, it still irked Apollo that he, the brother, had been ignored in favor of his sister.
However, since Pan had already shown a humble stance, the displeasure in Apollo's heart eventually dissipated.
Not bad, just as discerning as his thief father had been.
Originally, Hermes, the God of Speed, had offended the God of Light by stealing from him.
Nevertheless, Hermes eventually bowed his head, admitted his wrongs, and offered Apollo a lyre he made from a tortoise shell, seeking his forgiveness. Apollo, delighted by the beautiful sound of the lyre, happily accepted it and forgave Hermes.
From then on, Apollo possessed the lyre, becoming the deity of musical arts. Also as a result, they forged a friendship that combined kinship with companionship.
Likewise, Apollo once sought to help Hermes secure a residence on Mount Olympus but had to get consent from Hera, the queen of the gods who always harbored jealousy against Maia, Hermes' mother. To persuade Hera, Apollo went in person to plead with her. In order to persuade Hera successfully, he transformed Hermes to look like her son, Ares, the War God. Ultimately, Hera was moved by Apollo's words and agreed to let Hermes enter Mount Olympus.
One could say that Hermes owes his current status to the assistance of Apollo, making them a classic example of turning conflict into friendship.
If Hermes' son could show the same discernment, Apollo would not mind bestowing some blessings, making his path as a god smoother.
As Apollo was pondering this, Pan stepped forward with a sheepish grin, rubbing his hands together.
"Lord Apollo, my father has always spoken very highly of your musical talent. I happen to have a bit of skill in music as well," Pan said.
"Oh? Is that so?" Apollo laughed, neither confirming nor denying.
"It just so happens that you are visiting Arcadia today, and I would like to take this opportunity to learn from you," Pan continued, his sheepish grin persistent. As he saw that Apollo was not angered, a subtle slyness flashed in his downcast eyes, hard to notice.
"If I am lucky enough to win against you, let's not speak of other things; I only ask that you promise to give me a small gift," Pan said.
Win against me in music? With your skills?
At the moment the words were spoken, Apollo's eyes narrowed, and an air of pride washed over his handsome face, completely oblivious to the so-called "small gift."