CH22; End of the First Journey

Well this chapter is boring, so skip if you want to, but the next one is good. As we will meet cultivator and lot's of stuff. 🙃

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"Of course, Chief. I'll be right back." She disappeared into her kitchen, the sound of clattering pots and the cooking of food soon began.

"We'll give you some time to eat and rest. We've got some matters to discuss outside, but if you need anything, just call for Li Hua." With that, he left, followed by the other men

"There are many things to consider, and we must prepare for the possibility of further trouble."

The group of men, including the chief, began to move towards the door, their expressions serious as they prepared to go back into their discussion.

His thoughts were occupied with potential strategies and the possible benefits for his village.

As the men left, Zhang Lian was left alone with Li Hua in the small. Li Hua busied herself with the preparation of food, her fast and quick. She got a wooden bowl and began to gather some fresh vegetables, placing them into a pot.

The smell of cooking food soon began to fill the air with the smell of food being cooked.

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Li Hua set up a small wooden table with a few basic utensils like a wooden spoon and bowl. She brought out the steaming hot soup and placed it in front of Zhang Lian.

Here you go," Li Hua said kindly, sitting down beside Zhang Lian. As Zhang Lian picked up the wooden spoon and put soup in her bowl, she couldn't help but notice Li Hua's curious gaze on her.

Although she only got soup filled with vegetables. But Zhnag Lian was hungry and didn't care much and with a nod and began to eat, the warm soup brought some relief to her hunger.

Li Hua leaned forward slightly, her eyes wide with interest. "So, tell me, do you have maids in your house?" she asked, with a curious tone.

Zhang Lian swallowed her first bite of stew, nodding slightly. "Yes, we have a few maids.

Li Hua's eyes sparkled. "Oh, that must be nice! We do everything ourselves here in the village. And do you have talent for cultivation? You must, with such a noble family background!"

Zhang Lian hesitated for a moment, showing a sad expression, I don't have.

Li Hua tried to comfort her by asking different questions like what is life in the city.

Zhang Lian, remembering her home. "It is different. The city is busy with people, merchants selling goods. There's always something happening, and the streets are always busy.

"It sounds so exciting! I've only ever known life here in the village. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a place like that."

Zhang Lian smiled, "It has its moments. But I think there's a certain peace in village life that you can't find in the city."

The two women continued talking as Zhang Lian ate, Li Hua asking more questions about city life, the clothes Zhang Lian wore, and even what kind of food she usually ate.

Zhang Lian answered as best as she could, her answers painting a picture of a life that seemed far away from the simple village.

Finally, as Zhang Lian finished her meal, she set the spoon down and looked at Li Hua with a small smile. "Thank you for the meal, it was delicious.

—-

After drinking water and washing her hands, Zhang Lian turned to Li Hua and asked, "Li Hua, can you take me to the village chief?

Li Hua looked at her with concern,"Are you sure ? You just woke up and… well, it's a long journey back to the city." She searched Zhang Lian's face, looking for any sign of hesitation.

Zhang Lian gave her a small but determined smile. "Yes, I'm sure. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can find out what happened to my parents."

Li Hua nodded slowly, understanding Zhang Lian's worry. "Alright then, let's go." She set the cloth aside and gestured for Zhang Lian to follow her.

As they stepped outside, the afternoon sun bathed the village in a warm, golden light. The air was filled with the earthy scent of freshly soil. Zhang Lian walked alongside Li Hua.

Villagers going about their daily chores paused to look at Zhang Lian as she passed.

Their gazes were filled with a curiosity, the kind for someone who seemed different. Zhang Lian's white hair, flowing robes, and the graceful way she moved gave her the appearance of an immortal cultivator, a figure from the stories and legends that the villagers had heard but never expected to see.

Children, who had been playing in the streets, stopped and stared, who is this beautiful woman?

Li Hua noticed the stares and gave Zhang Lian a reassuring smile. "They're just not used to seeing someone like you around here," she said softly. "You must look like a fairy to them."

Zhang Lian only nodded in response, keeping her thoughts to herself. She understood their reactions but was too focused on the task ahead to pay much attention.

They soon arrived at the village chief's location, a small clearing near the end of the village where the chief and a few of the other men were gathered.

The chief seemed like waiting for something while taking with the

Other villagers, but as soon as he noticed Li Hua and Zhang Lian, he broke off and greeted them. "Ah, you've come," he said with a warm smile. "Have you eaten your fill?"

Zhang Lian nodded politely. "Yes, thank you. The food was very good."

The chief seemed pleased by her answer. "Good, good." He then reached behind him and pulled out a small cloth bag. "Here," he said, handing it to Zhang Lian. "This bag has some food and water.

You'll need it for the journey back to the city. The other men already have theirs, so don't hesitate to ask them if you need anything."

Zhang Lian accepted the bag with both hands, bowing her head slightly in gratitude. "Thank you, Chief."

The chief gave her a long look, his expression thoughtful. "I know you're eager to return, but remember, the journey is long and not easy. If you need to rest along the way, don't hesitate to let them know."

He then pointed at the other villagers standing nearby. "If you get too tired, ask them to carry you on their back."

Zhang Lian glanced at the villagers, who nodded respectfully at her, clearly ready to assist if needed.

Despite the chief's offer, Zhang Lian knew she wouldn't need it. She had trained in martial arts since she was young and could easily endure the journey. Still, she appreciated the thought behind it.

But she still nodded.

The village chief gave a final nod, "Very well then, everyone, get ready to go," he said, turning to the ten village men who were patiently waiting nearby.

These men had been selected for their strength and knowledge of the terrain, each one carrying a small pack of supplies and basic weapons—a few old swords, staff, and even a couple of bows with arrows.

They were not warriors by any means, but the village chief had explained to them about the opportunity of getting enough wealth for several generations with some risk.

They were to investigate the situation in the city, assess the danger, and if possible, return with any valuable thing they could find.

Above all, they were to avoid unnecessary risks. If the situation seemed dangerous, they were to retreat immediately.

Zhang Lian stood among them. She was ready, with thoughts of her parents and what she might find when they reached the city.

The group began their walk toward the village's edge, the chief walking beside them.

As they reached the edge of the village, the chief paused, turning to face Zhang Lian and the men. The sun was lower in the sky now, casting a warm, golden light that made the village behind them seem almost peaceful despite the underlying tension.

"Remember," the chief said, his voice low but firm, "if the situation in the city is too dangerous, do not hesitate to retreat. Your lives are more important than anything else. We need you to come back safe and sound."

He then turned to Zhang Lian, his eyes softening slightly as he regarded her. "I know you're worried about your parents, but don't think too much, they should be safe.

Zhang Lian nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Chief. I'll be careful."

With that, the group started moving ahead and began their journey. The village behind them slowly faded into the distance as they walked, each step bringing them closer to the city.

As they moved further away, the chief stood at the edge of the village, watching until the group was nearly out of sight. He knew the risks they were taking, but he also knew that this was an opportunity to move to another area, much safer than this as the demonic Cultivator might attack them next time.

He could only hope that they would find lots of resources.