Chapter 171 Mystery In Stone Valley Part 1

The evening breeze blew through Hajime and U-ri's. The two Tanzanies followed Gang, who sat on the back of the blue peacock and followed the black hawk. 

"Here," U-ri said, handing the water bag to Hajime. "Drink some water." 

Hajime said, "I'm not thirsty." 

U-ri said, "Who are you trying to fool? I saw what you did this morning. Go ahead and accept it. You haven't drunk or eaten anything since this morning." 

Hajime took the water bag from U-ri's hand and started drinking water. After drinking enough to quench his thirst, he returned the water bag to U-ri. 

"So?" U-ri asked. "Are you and Yul good?" 

"Yes," Hajime said. 

"When Yul learned that you were returning to Scattered Forest, he was the first to go after you," U-ri said. "He wanted to chase after you into Scattered Forest, but we stopped him. I took both Abrafo and Michio to stop his progress." 

Hajime chuckled. "Is he crazy? Entering Scattered Forest will kill him," Hajime said. 

"Oh, speaking of Scattered Forest, I forgot to ask you," U-ri said. 

"About?" Hajime asked and turned around and faced U-ri. 

U-ri handed Hajime the remaining food from breakfast. "Why was there no trace of poison on your body when you came back from Scattered Forest?" U-ri asked. 

Hajime said, "I don't know." 

U-ri asked, "Did you do anything different?" 

Hajime thought for a while and said, "Well, I ate one of the leaves before entering the true Phoenix Chamber. Oh... when I picked up the leaf, a dead man came face to face and sniffed at me like a dog. I believe they may not be able to see, but they can smell humans, and for some reason, after he had enough of sniffing me, he left without attacking me." 

U-ri raised his right hand and began to stroke his beard. "I wonder why," U-ri muttered. "Is it because the strong poisonous mist masked your scent?" He looked at Hajime. 

Hajime shook his head and said, "I don't know." He began to bite the bread in his hand. "U-ri..." He looked up at U-ri. 

"Um..." 

"Thank you," Hajime said, stuffing the last piece of bread into his mouth. After swallowing the chewed bread, he looked up at U-ri again. "When I saw the smiles and tears of joy of those participants, I finally understood why Yul said that if the outside world is not happy, how can families be happy." 

U-ri sighed, smiled and said, "I bet Yul understands you too." 

Hajime said, "I have lived for seventeen years. I have been alone for as long as I can remember. For me, everything that belongs to me is the most important. I will try my best not to let others take it away from me. To be happy and moving forward, I thought that since the world has abandoned me, I should no longer care about the life and death of others. This idea has been deeply rooted in my bones. I firmly believe that as long as I think this way, I will protect my heart from malicious attention from others." He paused. "But seeing those warm, hopeful smiles made me realize that no matter who we are, we are someone's family. So, I understand where Yul is coming from." 

U-ri said, "If you are the only person in this world, you don't have to live and follow human rules, but sadly, there are many people in the world because there are many people; we have to rely on rules, so we can live happily together." 

Hajime nodded and said, "I understand."

U-ri smiled and said, "You did well. It's hard for anyone to admit their shortcomings. Even myself." 

"I can see Sunsend Mountains in front of us," Gang shouted as the blue peacock approached the three mountains. 

U-ri quickly grabbed the book and started drawing, while Hajime quickly turned around and faced the three mountains. When they flew over the three mountains, Hajime discovered that the three mountains they flew over were none other than dormant volcanoes. 

Now Hajime finally understood why Stone Valley was not a place for humans to live. If these three dormant volcanoes suddenly erupted, it would be terrible and deadly. 

From the top of Sunsend Mountains to where the land meets the sea, three different colors emerge: grey, green and white. Although the thought of a volcano erupting sounded scary, as they flew over Sundsend Mountains and began their descent into the field below filled with towering rocks, Hajime admitted that the view was beyond words could describe as he saw miles of clear ocean ahead. 

The afternoon sun makes the clear blue ocean sparkle even more. Hajime pointed forward accurately and shouted happily, "U-ri, look! It's so beautiful!" 

"It's indeed beautiful," U-ri looked down at his journal and continued to draw. "It's a shame that other three are missing out on this." 

As the eagles and blue peacocks dive onto land, they begin to hear people's voices. The clearing was not wide enough for three eagles and fifteen peacocks to land at the same time, so they took turns landing. Hajime and U-ri were the last to land. 

When Hajime and U-ri landed, Gang had already been taken away by his people. As for the other participants, it seems like someone is waiting for them. In the small gathering area, the laughter of the participants could clearly be heard. 

Hajime looked at U-ri and said, "Well, where should we wait for the others. I'm sure maybe they should arrive before sunset." 

U-ri said, "Let's find a good place to camp." 

Hajime chuckled as he picked up their belongings from the ground. 

"Oh, young man." Hajime heard a voice coming from behind him. 

Hajime grabbed two backpacks and turned to look at the middle-aged man and two female participants standing a few feet away from him. He asked, "Are you talking to me?" 

The middle-aged man smiled and said, "Yes, I want to come over and thank you for saving my daughter's life." He clasped his hands and bowed to Hajime. He took off the gold chain around his neck and handed it to Hajime. "This is a small gratitude," the middled-aged man said with a smile. 

"I can't accept this," Hajime said. 

The young female participant walked up to Hajime and said, "If you don't accept it, it means you look down on us, because this is a small token of appreciation." She took the gold chain from the middle-aged man and put it on Hajime's neck. "In our culture, it's rude to refuse a gratitude token." 

U-ri stepped forward and said, "Oh, sir, please don't mind this young man. We are from a different kingdom, and we are not familiar with your cultural customs." 

Hajime smiled at the middle-aged male and the two young female participants. "I don't mean to disrespect you, it's just that I'm not familiar with your cultural customs. I'll accept the gratitude token. Thank you," Hajime said. 

The middle-aged man smiled and left with the two female participants. 

"Are you satisfied with your appreciation token now?" U-ri asked, smiling at Hajime. 

Hajime stuffed the gold chain into his robe and said, "I just want to know how much we could get for this gold chain if we sold it." 

U-ri tapped Hajime lightly on the back of the head. "What do you understand? This token is yours to keep. You can't sell it under any circumstances." U-ri shook his head. "Sometimes it's little things like this that can save your life." 

"How?" Hajime asked. 

U-ri said, "Because this is a gift from the heart of the giver. No matter if it is worthy or not. It shows the giver's appreciation for you and if you're in trouble, they're likely to come and save you like what you did for them." 

Hajime took out the gold necklace from his robe. He thought to himself, of course he understood the meaning of the token, how could he not understand it. He treasured such gifts the most. "U-ri," Hajime said. 

"What?" U-ri looked at Hajime's smiling face and asked, "Why are you smiling?" 

Hajime said, "Thank you." 

"For?" U-ri asked, grabbing the medicine bag and putting it on his shoulder. 

"Thank you for your teaching," Hajime said. 

U-ri said, "I'm older and wiser than you, so considering my teachings will make you a better person, kid." He chuckled. "Let's find a place to camp." 

Hajime grabbed other belongings and said, "Did Lady Lai tell us that she would wait for us here? Do you think she would prepare the camp and prepare food for us?" 

U-ri said, "I don't know, but it's best to be prepared." 

After packing their things, they took a closer look at the small village. The small village is dotted with small stone huts. In addition to the stone huts, there are many tents set up.

U-ri said, "If no one lives here, why are there stone huts?"

Hajime asked, "Do you think those huts belong to anyone or are they first come, first served?"

U-ri smiled and said, "Stop daydreaming. I believe that the tents are those who do not have stone huts, and I am sure that all stone huts have owners."

The two were talking and looking for a place to camp when they heard someone calling U-ri's name.

"Sir U-ri! This way!" 

Hajime and U-ri raised their heads, looking for the female voice calling U-ri. 

"This way!" 

When the two Tanzanies saw Bi, Bi waved her hand and walked towards them with two male servants. 

"Lady Bi," Hajime said, looking at U-ri. 

U-ri smiled and said, "Let's go, the tents and food are ready." 

Bi quickly rushed towards Hajime and U-ri. She looked around and found Hajime and U-ri alone. She asked sadly, "Where are the other three? They didn't make it?" 

U-ri smiled and said, "They are behind us. You see, there is not enough room for them to fly with us." 

A smile suddenly broke out on Bi's face. She said, "Oh, that's good, the lady is waiting for you." She turned to the two male servants. "You two stay here and wait for the other three. When they arrive, take them to the lady's camp." She turned to Hajime and U-ri. "This way dear sirs, the lady is waiting."