691 Overturn 2
Perhaps it was because of this that he sympathized with her. When they entered the mountains this time, he had figured it out. As for Bai Xu... He really hoped that she could figure it out and live a good life from now on. He also hoped that she would be safe.
At this moment, Bai Xu was pushed down by a big tree. As she was suppressed, she did not have the strength to break free.
The Earth Dragon's turn caught her off guard. She had felt that the weather had turned cold recently and had already decided to go out.
She left early and took her time along the way.
The night before the earthquake, she was still sitting on a tree and looking at the sunset for a long time.
She calculated that she would be able to go out in another two days.
The commotion was very loud, but she knew that she was considered the periphery. She was very far from the center of the earthquake, but even so, she still could not dodge in time and was trapped.
Even if it was calm now, she couldn't escape.
Perhaps she was going to die here.
Bai Xu thought so. She was actually very afraid of death, but at this moment, she was very calm.
It seemed that it was not that difficult to accept. Bai Xu's heart calmed down and she thought of Hu Changshou. She muttered to herself, "I don't know if you'll be so lucky this time. I don't think so. You guys were behind me. In such a critical situation, there will definitely be times when it's difficult for them to take care of you."
"I didn't expect us to be buried in the same place. I'm afraid no one will survive in the center."
As Bai Xu spoke, she laughed at himself.
Her lower body hurt. She really wanted to get it over with, but every time she raised her hand, she would think of what Hu Changshou had said.
She couldn't help but wonder what Hu Changshou would do. He probably wouldn't commit suicide. He would wait until the end.
If he could tolerate it, so could she.
Therefore, even if the pain made her wish she was dead, Bai Xu endured it.
"Let's go, let's go. We won't dare to stop this time."
Suddenly, a person's voice sounded. Bai Xu immediately shuddered. Her face was pale. After thinking for a few seconds, she called for help. "Save me, Uncle, Brother. Please save me..."
Even if there was only a slimmer of chance, she did not want to give it up.
Perhaps she might not be saved if she opened her mouth, but if she didn't, she wouldn't even have a chance. In such a situation, if she didn't open her mouth and call for help, those people wouldn't notice her, let alone stop.
Among the people who were in a hurry, one of them stopped in his tracks and said, "Did you hear anyone shouting for help?"
"Gu, at this time, how can we have the time to care about others? There might still be another earthquake. The most important thing is to get out quickly. If we delay this, it won't be worth it to die here. There are more than a hundred of us, but only 30 of us survived. We were already very regretful that we didn't follow the Wisdom King previously. This time, we should go out first. We won't be at ease if we don't go out."
His companion glanced at him and said.
With that, everyone continued walking forward.
Gu Ming frowned. They were right. If they couldn't escape because they stopped here, it wouldn't be worth it.
It was not easy for them to escape death. He did not want to put his life on the line.
As they were not far away, Bai Xu could hear their voices.
The footsteps were hurried. Bai Xu knew that there was a high chance that they would not stop, but she still kept calling for help. "Save me, save me, please..."
The sound of footsteps quickly became further and further away. Bai Xu listened to the distant footsteps before giving up on asking for help. She understood that this was her last chance.
These were probably the only people who could escape from the Earth Dragon's turn.
Gu Ming looked in the direction of the voice and then at his peers who were about to disappear from his sight. He gritted his teeth and headed towards the direction where the voice came from.
"How are you?"
Gu Ming saw Bai Xu and asked.
Bai Xu was stunned for a moment before opening her eyes in surprise. She could not believe it and thanked him in a choked voice. "Thank you, thank you."
It was a little girl. Gu Ming went to Bai Xu's side and sighed. "No need to thank me. I might not be able to save you."
There were two big trees pressing down on Bai Xu. It was very difficult to move them away.
Gu Ming took out his sword and began to dig the ground. He said, "I'll dig a hole from beside you now. If it's all soil, it won't be a problem to save you. If it's a rock and I can't dig it open, then there's nothing I can do."
If there were many people, it would not be difficult to move the two trees.
It could be done with some time, but he was alone now.
Tears welled up in Bai Xu's eyes. She nodded. "Okay, thank you, Uncle."
Gu Ming began to dig with all his might. He only hoped that the ground would not shake.
Bai Xu swallowed and asked softly, "Uncle, can I ask you about someone? His name is Hu Changshou. He can't move his body. Is he still around?"
"You should be asking about Young Master Su's relative. He can't move his body, but with General Chu bringing him away, they have been following the Wisdom King. Before the Earth Dragon turned over, they were already about to leave. If nothing unexpected happens, they have already left safely."
Gu Ming said as he dug. Then, he glanced at Bai Xu and asked, "Do you know him?"
Bai Xu smiled. "Not close. We've met a few times."
Hu Changshou should still be alive. After all, he was so lucky.
"I see."
It turned out that they were not familiar with each other. Gu Ming did not think too much about it. Perhaps it was because it was just a thoughtless question for her.
As Gu Ming dug, he looked at the hard soil and heaved a sigh of relief. He had already taken this step. He actually didn't want to give up on saving people in the end.
Fortunately, this girl was also lucky. The soil was a little hard, but it was not a rock after all.
An hour later, Gu Ming dragged Bai Xu out. He heaved a sigh of relief and said to Bai Xu, "Miss, whether you live or die now depends on your own luck. I can't delay any longer."
He did not check on Bai Xu's condition. The less he knew, the easier it would be for him to let go.
Bai Xu nodded. She took out an excellent piece of jade and handed it to Gu Ming. "Uncle, thank you for saving me. This is for you. Go out and exchange it for some good wine."
Gu Ming waved his hand. "There's no need. I didn't save you for any rewards. Besides, I didn't save you much. I just moved you out of your trapped state. Goodbye."
With that, Gu Ming stood up and left.
Bai Xu watched him leave quickly. She opened her mouth but closed it in the end.
From beginning to end, they did not know each other's names.
The surroundings quickly fell silent.
Bai Xu tried to move her legs. They hurt and she needed to recuperate.
She scrambled with both hands and crawled away from this place with difficulty. No matter what, she would not give up on herself. She wanted to live unless she really breathed her last.
692 Safe
Although there were many dangers here, as long as the Earth Dragon did not turn over again, she would definitely be able to leave alive.
She would live. Definitely.
—-
Gu Ming rushed all the way and finally caught up to his companions.
Someone saw him panting and said mockingly, "Gu, where's the person you saved? Why don't I see her?"
He said that he was going to save her, but they did not know what dirty things he could have done. That voice sounded like a girl. Everyone was in a hurry to escape. Who would have such good intentions?
Who knew what he wanted to do? What if he was using the excuse of being a good person to do unspeakable to a little girl?
Gu Ming looked at that person coldly and ignored him.
When Gu Ming ignored him, the man pursed his lips in embarrassment and did not say anything else.
Gu Ming's friend slowed down beside him and asked in a low voice, "How is it?"
Gu Ming replied softly, "I got her out. She seemed to be injured. I didn't care later. If she's lucky, she should be able to recover and survive. As long as there's no more earthquakes, she'll be fine."
She was just a young girl, but she couldn't be that simple to be brought in here. He believed that as long as she wasn't restrained, she had her own way of surviving.
"You did your best. That's enough. There are so many of us. We can't compare to you. After all, we didn't even dare to stop."
Gu Ming's good friend patted his shoulder and said solemnly.
Those who had not saved anyone had no right to make wise remarks. Gu Ming was better than all of them and was worthy of respect.
Gu Ming smiled faintly and did not say anything else.
Everyone rested for a while before continuing on their way.
When everyone saw the people not far away, their footsteps slowed down.
"Those are the Wisdom King's men. They haven't gone out yet. If they're resting there, does that mean we're safe now?"
"Isn't it a little bad for us to go over now? I feel ashamed."
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. We're not his people. We just chose different paths. The path of the foreign land doesn't belong to anyone. If he walks it, we can walk it too."
They discussed for a while before finally walking towards the crowd.
Zhou Zhi quickly discovered them.
Jin Liu reported to Zhou Zhi, who only replied calmly, "Don't worry."
When he gave the order to retreat, there were still more than 200 people who gradually left the team midway. Only about 30 people were still alive now.
They knew what had happened to those who failed to come out.
"Greetings, Wisdom King. We were ignorant and shallow previously. Please forgive us, Your Majesty."
When they met again, they were in a sorry state as if they were fleeing. The people who followed Zhou Zhi also recovered their spirits after resting.
It would be a lie to say that they did not regret it.
It was nothing to suffer for a while. When they were lazy, they almost lost their lives.
They were lucky to be alive, and those who died inside would never have a chance to speak again.
Zhou Zhi's expression was calm. He said calmly, "There's no need to be like this. You're free people."
He recruited them, but what they obtained did not belong to Zhou Zhi. How much they could obtain depended on their own abilities.
Zhou Zhi would not care about them, so when he gave the order to retreat and they did not listen, Zhou Zhi did not say much because there was no need. They were not his subordinates or soldiers in the royal court. They were free to do whatever they wanted.
After greeting them, they dispersed to rest.
Gu Ming specially searched around and realized that Hu Changshou was still alive. He thought for a moment and walked towards Hu Changshou.
"Are you all right?"
Gu Ming asked Hu Changshou.
Hu Changshou smiled gently and replied, "Thank you for your concern. I'm fine."
Gu Ming sat down beside Hu Changshou and asked Dao Seeking, "Did you get to know a girl here?"
"When we came out, we met a girl asking for help. I saved her and she asked me about you."
Gu Ming explained why he asked.
Hu Changshou thought of Bai Xu almost instantly and asked anxiously, "How is she now?"
Seeing Hu Changshou like this, Gu Ming thought he didn't look like he wasn't familiar with the girl. Gu Ming thought for a moment and told the truth. "She's injured. I was busy traveling after saving her and didn't bring her along. I don't know how she's doing now."
Hu Changshou was a little worried, but he quickly let it go.
He smiled at Gu Ming. "Thank you for your kindness."
His fate with Bai Xu had ended on that day. Bai Xu had her own path, and so did he.
When Bai Xu was saved, he was also saved. No matter how hard it was, he survived in the end. He was like this, and he believed that Bai Xu must be the same.
If they were not fated to meet again, then he wished her a good life.
Gu Ming also smiled and stood up to leave. He only passed the message to Hu Changshou. As for what happened between him and the girl, it was none of his business.
Everyone gathered together again. Seeing that Zhou Zhi's people did not move, the people of the martial world also rested in peace.
They went hunting to roast meat.
At night, the Earth Dragon turned over again, but the movement was very light and there was nothing to be afraid of. Initially, they were a little uneasy, but seeing that Zhou Zhi did not move and that they were not far from leaving, no one moved.
At night, there were occasional trembling movements, and the movements became softer and softer.
By dawn, everyone had recovered their spirits.
Some people had noticed early on that the suppression had disappeared and everything had returned to normal.
"There's nothing abnormal. It should mean that the earthquake turnaround is over."
Someone asked.
"It's like this. Every time the Earth Dragon turns over, the commotion will become smaller and smaller until it disappears. Previously, the pressure we felt should be an omen of the Earth Dragon's turnover. Now that the suppression has disappeared, the disaster should be over."
Someone replied. After saying that, he looked up and pointed. "Look, the birds are flying back."
Animals were the best at sensing danger. If they were all flying back, that meant it was over.
Seeing the birds fly back, everyone completely relaxed. However, when they saw that Zhou Zhi's people were all serious, they felt tense again.
Soon, Chu Jin stood up and walked to the center. He moved his neck and said loudly, "Everyone, the birds have all flown back. Those fleeing spiritual beasts are also starting to go home. Our position is not bad. Everyone, be prepared to intercept them."
Everyone understood what Chu Jin meant.
Chu Jin chose a tall tree and carried Hu Changshou up. He grinned and said, "Brother Hu, I really can't take care of you now. Just stay here. I'll pick you up after I'm done packing. If you're bored, think about how to absorb the poison in your body for your own use."
Hu Changshou nodded. "Thank you."
Chu Jin fixed Hu Changshou to the tree and went down.
Hu Changshou looked down and was surprised to find that his view was very good. He immediately perked up. He couldn't help much, but he had the energy to look. If he looked carefully, he might be able to remind them to avoid danger. It was better to do something than nothing.
693 Intercept
Hu Changshou saw many vine-like things growing indefinitely. He saw that it was Zhou Zhi's superpower. Hu Changshou looked envious.
He saw that Su Xiaolu had a water ball in her hand. Many icicles stood up around Gui You, and there was lightning flowing on Old Wu's body.
The others also displayed their special abilities.
Everyone was ready.
They did not have to wait long. Not long after, strange sounds began to come from the forest.
This time, they were not running for their lives. They were hunting.
A huge spotted leopard leaped out and pounced on a fat coiled-horn sheep...
When they fled, they ran for their lives. When they returned home, it was a feast.
The spiritual energy outside was not as dense as the spiritual energy in the foreign land, so these beasts that fled had chosen to return.
This was also convenient for them. In the past, they had to specially find these beasts that contained spiritual energy.
Now, they were hunting in groups.
Everyone felt good.
Chu Jin loved to smash with his fists. He was as strong as a mountain. When he smashed with his fists, his prey's bones would break. He liked the sound of his fists hitting flesh and bones very much. He would smash one after another.
He was completely unaware that a tiger that seemed to have stopped breathing after being smashed by him, stood up again shakily after he turned around. Its fierce eyes locked onto Chu Jin and it opened its bloody mouth.
When Hu Changshou saw this scene, he shouted, "Chu Jin, watch your back."
Chu Jin turned around and saw the tiger pouncing at him. He subconsciously waved his fist.
However, before he could hit the tiger, the blood on the tiger's body was sucked out by a strange force. The blood pillar was like water flowing in Hu Changshou's direction.
Chu Jin glanced at Hu Changshou. Seeing that Hu Changshou was fine, he did not look at him and continued to fight.
As there were fewer and fewer beasts, this interception ended. Everyone counted their prey and sent them to Su Xiaolu.
In a few hours, it had already piled up into a small mountain.
Next was the skinning and processing of meat.
As an apothecary, Su Xiaolu was naturally busy. She first extracted these into spiritual liquid and then continued to extract them into divine medicine.
Chu Jin carried Hu Changshou over and shouted at Su Xiaolu, "Xiaolu, come and take a look. He's red all over."
Chu Jin only went up the tree to see Hu Changshou after the interception ended. He was shocked when he saw him. Hu Changshou was still unconscious and was still breathing, but his entire body was red. It was hot to the touch and his stomach was a little bloated. He quickly carried Hu Changshou down to look for Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu took a look and immediately went over. She took Hu Changshou's pulse and took out silver needles to perform acupuncture. She asked Chu Jin, "What happened?"
Chu Jin felt a little guilty. "I'm not sure either, but I almost encountered danger just now. I don't know what he did. The blood on the tiger's body flowed towards him like water. It seemed to have been absorbed by him."
After Su Xiaolu performed the acupuncture, Hu Changshou gradually woke up. He frowned and said, "It's so hot."
Seeing Su Xiaolu, Hu Changshou said apologetically, "Xiaolu, I'm sorry for causing you trouble."
Su Xiaolu shook her head. Hu Changshou looked very sleepy and fell asleep not long after.
Su Xiaolu took out the needles.
Seeing that Hu Changshou was still red, Chu Jin couldn't help but ask, "Xiaolu, is he alright?"
Su Xiaolu nodded. "It's fine. It's like he ate too much."
Hu Changshou's pulse was not chaotic. His body looked abnormal, but in fact, there was nothing abnormal. It was as if there was poison in his body, but it did not affect him at all.
Hu Changshou must have obtained something in the foreign land this time. It was just that he had yet to figure it out.
But it didn't matter. There was time to figure it out slowly.
"It's strange, but it's interesting, but as long as he's fine."
Chu Jin smiled and said. Hu Changshou had saved him once. Although he wouldn't die if he didn't save him, he would at most be injured. However, who wants to be injured and suffer?
"Then I'll bring him over. Xiaolu, go ahead."
Chu Jin carried Hu Changshou and left. Knowing that he was fine, he was relieved. He carried him over and found a spacious place to put him down, waiting for Hu Changshou to wake up.
Hu Changshou woke up at night. The redness on his body had subsided and he had recovered.
Apart from not being able to move, he was not weak at all.
Everyone was resting. Seeing that he had woken up, Chu Jin went to the fire rack to roast meat and cut it off with a dagger to feed Hu Changshou.
Hu Changshou was a little embarrassed. "Thank you."
Chu Jin smiled generously and shook his head. "No need. The brothers in the military camp don't care about trifles. Everyone has a time when they're in trouble. It's no big deal."
Hu Changshou felt that Chu Jin was really too good. He was forthright and generous. He didn't look so rough on the surface, but he was actually a meticulous person.
After eating some, Hu Changshou said that he was full.
Chu Jin was also straightforward. He stopped feeding him after that. Chu Jin also ate meat. As he nibbled on the deer leg, he said to Hu Changshou, "Previously, Xiaolu said that you don't have to pee or poop anymore. Didn't you think that this is very strange? Where did all the food you ate go?"
"And how did you do that just now? You sucked the tiger's blood dry from so far away."
Chu Jin looked at Hu Changshou in confusion. This was his first time entering a foreign land. He only felt that his strength had increased and nothing else.
To be honest, he was a little envious of Hu Changshou.
Hu Changshou was puzzled himself. He shook his head in confusion. "I don't know."
Chu Jin sighed and said, "It's like you're hugging a box filled with gold. Everyone knows that it's yours. You have money, but you don't have a key to open it. You can't use it even if you have money."
Chu Jin stood up and patted his body. "I'll get Xiaolu to take a look at you."
With that, Chu Jin left.
Hu Changshou was silent. He recalled what Chu Jin had said and looked at his limp hands suspiciously. Could it be that he really had a huge treasure?
Su Xiaolu arrived quickly. She took Hu Changshou's pulse first.
"Her pulse is normal," Su Xiaolu said.
"Cousin, tell me about what happened after entering the mountains. I want to know what happened to you at that time. I want to know the details so that I can help you analyze it."
Su Xiaolu looked at Hu Changshou and asked.
Chu Jin sat down and said, "Just tell us. We'll help you. Perhaps we'll find a way."
Hu Changshou pondered for a moment before saying, "When I entered the mountain that day, I kept looking for traces of you. I thought that as long as I followed the traces, I would eventually be able to find you." If he was lucky.
"Later on, I couldn't find any traces, but not long after, I found some more traces. Then, I met two people. It was an old lady with her granddaughter. Her granddaughter was called Bai Xu, and they caught me.
I don't know if they're related because Bai Xu called her Grandma. They were chasing after a huge snake and wanted to use me as bait..."
694 Telekinesis
Speaking of this experience, Hu Changshou sighed. It was really God's blessing that he could survive.
After Hu Changshou finished speaking quietly, he sighed. "That's what happened. I survived because of Miss Bai Xu's kindness."
Chu Jin touched his chin and said, "I didn't expect you to have luck with women."
Su Xiaolu had an impression of Bai Xu, but they did not meet again after that time.
She did not expect her cousin to meet Bai Xu. He saved her life and she returned the favor. It was good that they did not owe each other anything from now on.
After teasing him, Chu Jin became serious. "In that case, that power of yours will explode in a crisis. Although you can't control it yet, you can instantly take someone's life in a crisis, and you've never tried it on people before, Brother, I'll be honest. Isn't it a little disgusting to suck blood into your stomach every time?"
Chu Jin thought that if he was an outlaw who took people's lives by drinking their blood dry. He instantly felt a chill.
Now he wasn't so envious.
Hu Changshou was also deep in thought.
Su Xiaolu also pondered.
After a while, she suddenly understood. She said to Hu Changshou excitedly, "Cousin, this ability of yours is a superpower."
Hu Changshou looked at Su Xiaolu in confusion. Chu Jin was also looking forward to it.
"Cousin, have you ever thought that you can perform telekinesis? Moreover, it might not be blood. It might even be heart and liver. As long as you want to, you might be able to do anything. The reason why you ate it might be because of Grandma Bai Xu's influence. When you saw her swallow the snake's gallbladder, you subconsciously thought that you had to eat it."
Su Xiaolu also suddenly thought of this. Hu Changshou's ability seemed to be able to suck people's blood dry, but it was actually telekinesis.
Su Xiaolu's words made Hu Changshou think. He remembered that when Bai Xu was in danger, a thought flashed across his mind. At that time, he thought that if only he could drink the snake's blood like Grandma Bai Xu. Without blood, the snake would not be able to live.
Seeing that Chu Jin was in danger, he also thought that it would be good if he could drink the tiger's blood.
Chu Jin couldn't help but say, "Hu Changshou, try it. Do you see the roasted meat by the fire? Try to take it and see if you can. Anyway, it's your ability. You can definitely do whatever you want, just like Xiaolu's ability to control water. If it's yours, it can be at your mercy."
"Just like me. I feel that I can definitely smash something that I can smash with one punch—" Chu Jin blurted out. Halfway through his sentence, he suddenly realized something. He stood up and muttered, "Why do I remember that I wasn't so strong in the past? Don't tell me I have a special ability too? No, I have to find a big tree to try."
Chu Jin left just like that.
Su Xiaolu looked at Hu Changshou and said, "Try it."
Perhaps in this foreign land, superpowers were not obvious. Many people did not think that they had obtained powers.
Perhaps they were fast, had good hearing, good eyesight, and were strong.
Hu Changshou also seemed to have been enlightened. This time, he clearly felt that something was different. He vaguely felt that something was about to be understood. He stared at the roasted meat on the fire rack. As his thoughts changed, he raised his hand and held the wooden stick with the meat firmly in his hand.
The hot grease dripped onto his hand, causing him pain. However, Hu Changshou held it tightly and smiled.
He laughed with tears in his eyes.
"RUMBLE—"
A big tree fell. The commotion was so loud that everyone couldn't help but look over.
Chu Jin also laughed heartily. "Hahaha, my fist is worth ten thousand catties."
A big tree as thick as a person's arm length could be smashed down with a few punches.
Chu Jin ran back happily. When he saw the skewer of meat in Hu Changshou's hand, he immediately understood.
"Congratulations."
Chu Jin cupped fists.
Hu Changshou suppressed his excitement and smiled at Chu Jin. "Congratulations too."
Hu Changshou put down the meat and his hand. He was about to get up, but he quickly realized that he couldn't move his hand or get up. He was a little nervous. "Xiaolu, why can't I get up?"
This change seemed to be an illusion.
After Su Xiaolu took Hu Changshou's pulse, she said, "There's still poison in your body. Try to gather the poison like a snake's poisonous sac."
"I—I can't..."
Hu Changshou felt a little defeated. The snake poison belonged to the snake, not him.
"You can. This is also one of your abilities, Cousin. When snake venom invades the body, it will only rot you from the inside out. You're unscathed, which means that you've gained immunity. You can store the venom for your own use. Moreover, it's not just the snakes. You can also store the venom of other poisonous insects. You're not dead. That's the best proof. What you need to pass now is your own mental hurdle. Don't doubt yourself. You're very powerful."
Su Xiaolu looked into Hu Changshou's eyes and encouraged him firmly.
Hu Changshou swallowed. His thoughts surged like the sea. It was as if an indescribable power filled his heart.
He smiled at Su Xiaolu. "You're right. I'm not dead. That's the best proof."
As long as he obtained it, it was all his. He could definitely control himself.
Hu Changshou calmed down. He felt as if he had sunk into a strange realm. He could feel his blood flowing. The black color inside was poison.
And this poison seemed to be drawn away by a force. His blood gradually turned bright red. In the end, he condensed the poison and it became smaller and smaller. It was like a poisonous snake hiding in its teeth. In the end, the poison was gathered under its teeth.
His hands and feet had returned to normal.
Hu Changshou stood up and bowed to Su Xiaolu. He looked at Su Xiaolu with gratitude in his eyes and said, "Xiaolu, thank you."
Su Xiaolu was also happy. She shook her head gently. "You're welcome, because you're my cousin."
When she was young, he had also protected her. As long as he did not change, she would not change either.
Hu Changshou also smiled. There were tears in his eyes. He nodded and said nothing else.
He would remember. She believed it. He believed in himself.
Su Xiaolu returned to her two Masters. She was in a good mood. She leaned her head against the old man's shoulder and fell asleep.
Old Wu turned to look and said, "Why is she leaning on my old bones? Seriously."
Although he said that, his body did not move. He sat steadily and leaned against Su Xiaolu.
Gui You's lips curled up. The old man was stubborn.
On the 18th of September, Su Xiaolu and the others came out of the foreign land.
The foreign land was starting to get cold. The white fog separated the temperature difference between the two worlds. It was already autumn outside, and it was autumn harvest.
People whispered when they saw them come out.
695 Inquiring
When the team passed by the village, Su Dalang and Su Erlang came out to take a look. Madam Li, Madam Zhou, and the others also looked up. When they saw Su Xiaolu and Hu Changshou in the crowd, they were all silent.
Afraid of being noticed, they hurriedly retreated to the house and closed the door.
Madam Li said timidly, "Sanlang, Hu Changshou is out. If he finds out about Xiaozhi, will he find trouble with us?"
Madam Li was very worried. He might have a superpower after coming out of the foreign land. If Hu Changshou came to cause trouble, how could ordinary people like them withstand it?
Su Dalang was also silent. He was equally worried.
Su Erlang and Madam Zhou were silent. Their sons and daughters-in-law did not speak.
Madam Zhou whispered, "Why don't we get Lei's wife and Chao's wife to go and take a look? If they didn't stay at the village chief's house, this matter should be fine. Xiaozhi has already returned to Xiaohu Village. It has nothing to do with us."
Madam Zhou sighed. Why were even Su Xiaozhi's sons so promising? She looked at her two sons. If only her sons were so promising.
Madam Zhou looked over, and Su Lei and Su Qing silently avoided her gaze. It wasn't like they didn't know how dangerous the foreign land was. Seriously, their mother actually wanted them to enter and take the risk. What if they died inside?
Besides, there were as many ordinary people as there were hairs on an ox in the world. So what if their family was ordinary too?
"Alright, let's do that."
Su Dalang and Su Erlang had no objections to Madam Zhou's suggestion. One from each family, and no one had an advantage over the other.
Su Lei's wife and Su Chao's wife also agreed. They went out together.
—-
Su Xiaolu and the others had no intention of stopping.
However, when they passed by the village chief's house, Old Master Wang was already waiting outside. He smiled kindly and nodded at everyone.
After seeing Su Xiaolu, Old Master Wang took two steps forward and said to Su Xiaolu, "Xiaolu, come here. I have something to ask you."
A while ago, they could hear wolves howling at night. They had never felt at ease.
They watched as so many people went in and came out with more than half of them gone. It was obvious how dangerous it was inside.
Old Master Wang was also worried. The foundation of the ancestral houses were here, but what if the things inside came out?
Even with the protection of the government, accidents were inevitable. Ordinary people like them really lived in the cracks.
Su Xiaolu exchanged glances with Old Wu and Gui You before leaving the group.
"Village Chief, what's the matter?"
Su Xiaolu smiled at Old Master Wang and asked.
Old Master Wang looked at Su Xiaolu's energetic appearance and sighed endlessly in his heart. He remembered what he wanted to ask and did not delay. He asked directly, "Xiaolu, I just want to ask if those things inside will come out. A while ago, there was an earthquake inside and our village was also shaken. There were also many beast roars. It was very scary."
Su Xiaolu looked at the elderly Old Master Wang and replied seriously, "Based on the current situation, those ferocious beasts won't come out. After the earthquake, they all returned to the depths of the foreign land. Now that winter is coming, under normal circumstances, they won't come out. However, I can't say for sure after that."
"I see."
Old Master Wang was a little disappointed, but he didn't know what answer he wanted.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Yes, if the situation changes, the government will send troops."
As ordinary people, it was normal for Old Master Wang to be anxious when the foreign land suddenly changed.
In this new world, everyone wanted to seek protection, but no one knew what changes would happen. She would not carry others on her back. It was already good enough that she could protect her family.
"Okay, thank you, Xiaolu."
Old Master Wang sighed. He didn't know if this change was a blessing or a curse for commoners like them.
He was old and had lived long enough. His death was not worth pitying. It was just that the younger generation was still young. What he was worried about was that the younger generation would not survive.
"Then I'll go back first."
Su Xiaolu smiled politely and left.
Old Master Wang looked at Su Xiaolu's back and sighed again.
Every time he saw the Su family, he felt as if a lifetime had passed. He could not help but think that if the villagers had not been so cold back then, perhaps the Su family would have missed the village.
Unfortunately, he could not have known earlier.
Even if they had given him a few catties of food and some vegetables back then, it would not be difficult for him to talk to them today.
He wanted to seek the protection of the Su family and say that they were from the same village after all. However, he could not bring himself to say this. In the end, he only sighed.
Perhaps after that winter, Southern Mountain Village was no longer home for the Su family.
It had been 14 years since that winter.
Old Master Wang prepared to return to his room.
Su Chao's wife and Su Lei's wife came out of the dark. The two of them smiled and greeted Old Master Wang, "Hello, Grand Duke Wang."
Old Master Wang glanced at the two of them and said calmly, "What do you need? Just say it."
"Grand Duke, our sisters-in-law want to ask what our little niece asked you about just now. You also know what's going on in our family. We juniors can't make the decision. Sigh..."
Su Lei's wife asked with a fawning smile, revealing their difficulties.
Old Master Wang had lived for decades and could understand everything. He didn't argue with the two women and only said calmly, "Xiaolu didn't ask anything. I was the one who was uneasy and asked her about something. As long as your two families don't provoke them, they won't have the time to deal with you."
They were no longer on the same level. They couldn't be bothered to take a second look.
As for what the women said about not being able to make the decision, Old Master Wang only smiled.
The two of them had different thoughts when they heard this.
Old Master Wang didn't have the time to say anything else. He waved his hand. "Go back, go back."
With that, he returned to the house.
When the two of them saw this, they turned around and went home to reply.
When they returned home, they told their parents-in-law everything.
Su Dalang and Su Erlang were much more at ease when they heard this. Su Dalang said, "Then let's stay in the village for a while. We'll go to town after she leaves. We can only hide if we can't afford to offend her."
Su Erlang nodded. "That's it. We'll avoid her."
Madam Li and Madam Zhou were silent. Until today, they were very depressed. Their lives were coming to an end. Knowing that they would never be able to catch up to Madam Zhao, there would always be a thorn in their hearts.
However, there was only one good thing, and that was that their families were about the same. Thinking of this, they felt better.
Su Xiaolu and the others returned to the town directly. The gathered martial world people dispersed when they arrived at the town.
Hu Changshou did not enter the town. Instead, he returned to Xiaohu Village. After being away from home for a few months, his grandmother and brother must be very worried. It was good that he was home safely.
696 Pleasing
When Hu Changshou saw the house from afar, he could no longer control the excitement in his heart and shouted, "Grandma, Yang, I'm back."
Hu Changshou's voice choked at the end.
He had returned. He had returned alive. He had encountered many dangers along the way. It had not been easy for him to return alive.
Madam Cao was starting the fire, Hu Changyang was weaving a basket, and Su Xiaozhi was cutting vegetables. When they heard the sound, they were all stunned.
Su Xiaozhi accidentally cut her finger. She swallowed nervously and ignored the blood on her hand. She subconsciously clenched her fists.
Hu Changyang had already thrown away the basket and was running towards Hu Changshou. As he ran, he shouted in a choked voice, "Brother—"
Madam Cao's eyes turned red. She put down the tongs and got up to welcome him. Her eldest grandson had returned alive.
Hu Changyang had already run away and hugged Hu Changshou tightly. "Brother, you're back."
Hu Changshou also hugged Hu Changyang back. The two brothers were both emotional. They let go and looked at each other. Their eyes were red.
There were not many greetings, but they understood each other.
Hu Changshou looked at Madam Cao, pursed his lips, and smiled. "Grandma, I'm back."
Madam Cao walked up to him and examined Hu Changshou from head to toe. She reached out and carefully checked before sighing. "It's good that you're back. You've worked hard."
Madam Cao did not ask Hu Changshou how much hardship he had experienced. She was afraid that her heart would ache if she knew.
It was good as long as he returned safely.
Madam Cao held Hu Changshou's hand and Hu Changyang's hand. She instructed him carefully, "Yang, now that the world has changed, don't be anxious. A scholar will always be needed by the world. Study hard and always remember the kindness of your cousins. Even if they don't need us to repay them, we can't forget it. In the future, when you start a family, you have to tell your descendants. When you're rich, many people will care about you. When times are difficult, it's rare for people to lend you a hand, understand?"
Hu Changyang nodded solemnly. "Yes, don't worry, Grandma. I'll remember. I won't forget. I won't embarrass Father and you."
Madam Cao looked at her two grandsons, feeling at ease.
As long as a person had a grateful heart, they would not take the wrong path no matter what.
Su Xiaozhi watched in a daze. She wanted to hide, but there was nowhere to hide.
As soon as Hu Changshou entered the house, he saw Su Xiaozhi.
Su Xiaozhi did not dare to look at Hu Changshou. She did not speak.
Hu Changshou stared at Su Xiaozhi coldly.
Madam Cao sighed and said, "Shou, your mother is home. This time, she won't make you brothers sad anymore. Just... trust her again. She's not bad. She's alone now. Your father passed away early, and she has no other choice. Sigh..."
When Su Xiaozhi returned this time, Madam Cao knew that she had something on her mind.
Now that Old Master Su and Madam Wang had already passed away, Su Xiaozhi was still the mother of the two children. When Hu Daniu was alive, Su Xiaozhi was led by Hu Daniu. When Hu Daniu passed away, her world collapsed. She was originally like duckweed, so how could she have her own opinions?
Her marriage with Hu Daniu was also fought for by Su Sanlang for her. Otherwise, how could she have married into the Hu family? Su Xiaozhi could not escape Madam Wang's control. She was so passive. Madam Cao did not blame her because she understood this.
Hu Changyang looked at Hu Changshou. He didn't say anything. Anyway, he would listen to his brother.
Hu Changshou looked at Su Xiaozhi. His mind was filled with those memories.
Su Xiaozhi kept her head lowered. She was too ashamed to look at Hu Changshou. From that day onwards, she was too ashamed to see her son. She was here to atone for her sins. Even if her son chased her away, she would not leave. She did not ask her son to take care of her. She only wanted to do what she could in her lifetime.
No matter what, she would not leave.
If she couldn't stay at home, she could stay in the cowshed.
Hu Changshou saw Su Xiaozhi's tears fall. He looked down and saw blood on her hand. Hu Changshou pursed his lips and swallowed before saying, "If she wants to stay, so be it."
He turned around and said coldly, "There won't be a next time."
The first sentence was to express his stance so that Madam Cao and Hu Changyang could be at ease.
The second sentence was for Su Xiaozhi. He knew she understood.
There was no going back to their mother-son relationship. He could forgive Su Xiaozhi for neglecting them for her parents, and he could accept Su Xiaozhi making him sad countless times. He could even accept that Su Xiaozhi had cut off his life, but only once.
He would not give Su Xiaozhi a chance like that again.
Madam Cao heaved a sigh of relief. She thought that Hu Changshou was referring to Su Xiaozhi contacting her parents.
Hu Changyang thought so too. However, when he looked down and inadvertently saw Hu Changshou clenching his fists so tightly that his joints turned white, Hu Changyang realized that things were not as he thought. There was something that he and his grandmother did not know.
At this moment, Hu Changyang became cold to Su Xiaozhi. He didn't need to know what had happened. He only knew that he would always believe in his brother.
"Why is your hand bleeding? Go and treat it. Shou is home now. Let's eat something good today. There's still time to kill a chicken."
Madam Cao said gently to Su Xiaozhi.
Su Xiaozhi nodded and left.
After Su Xiaozhi left, Madam Cao sighed and shook her head. She turned around and smiled kindly at her two grandsons. "I'll burn incense for your father."
After Madam Cao left, Hu Changyang looked at Hu Changshou and asked softly, "Brother, did she... do something bad?"
Hu Changshou shook his head. "It's all in the past."
Hu Changshou had no intention of saying anything, so Hu Changyang didn't ask further.
Madam Cao entered the house and lit incense for Hu Daniu. She sighed and said in a low voice, "My son, don't blame her. It's not up to her to decide where a rootless duckweed floats. It's already hard to be a woman. My grandsons aren't stupid people, so there's nothing to worry about. When she came back this time, I kept feeling that she had been enlightened. Please don't blame her."
Madam Cao muttered as she inserted the incense. She smiled again. "I'll bring you a cockscomb later. Life is good now. Don't worry."
After Madam Cao finished, she went out to help Su Xiaozhi.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law did not speak. Su Xiaozhi was agile, so Madam Cao let her work.
During dinner that night, Madam Cao asked Hu Changshou, "Shou, where's Xiaolu? How is she?"
Su Xiaozhi slowed down.
Hu Changyang also put down his chopsticks.
Hu Changshou smiled and said, "Xiaolu is very good. It's all thanks to her that I came back alive this time."
"Grandma, I've decided to join the army. After I settle you guys down, I'll join the army. Don't worry, I have the ability to protect myself. In another two years, when I'm free, I can bring my younger brother along. The noble Young Master in the capital told me that the current scholars haven't fallen behind in martial arts." Hu Changshou told Madam Cao about his plans. He was now strong and had superpowers. He was even more unwilling to be useless.
"Alright, I'll listen to you. Do whatever you want." Madam Cao did not ask further or object. She supported him with a smile. Her eldest grandson had ambitions. How could she break his wings?
697 How Good
Hu Changyang's eyes were also sparkling. He smiled and said, "Brother, don't worry. I won't fall behind in martial arts. Don't worry, I'm at home."
Hu Changyang patted his chest. He would not drag his brother down. One day, he would grow up and walk side by side with his brother. His brother was his role model and pride. He had to be his brother's pride.
Hu Changshou looked at his younger brother who was like the morning sun and smiled in relief. He couldn't help but put down his chopsticks and reach out to rub Hu Changyang's head.
Hu Changyang smiled happily. He liked it when his brother was like this because at times like this, he would feel very close to his brother's heart.
Madam Cao also smiled in relief. She said kindly, "Alright, let's eat."
Seeing her grandchildren being able to support each other was the proudest achievement of every elder. Madam Cao felt very warm in her heart.
Hu Shuangshuang was already married and her life was stable. Every time she came back, Madam Cao could tell from her good complexion that her granddaughter was not doing badly. And now, Hu Changshou and Hu Changyang could also stand firm. Hu Shuangshuang would only live better.
Madam Cao felt warm in her heart just thinking about it.
Now, as long as Su Xiaozhi stopped hurting the children, this family would be great.
Madam Cao glanced at Su Xiaozhi. Su Xiaozhi lowered her head and ate quietly. Madam Cao picked up a piece of chicken for Su Xiaozhi. "Eat some meat to nourish your body."
She really hoped that Su Xiaozhi would not do what she did in the past. When Hu Changshou returned this time, Madam Cao felt that something was different. This was her last chance. If she missed it, it would never happen again.
"Thank you, mother."
Su Xiaozhi smiled and thanked Madam Cao gratefully.
Madam Cao's gaze was gentle. Su Xiaozhi lowered her eyes and swore in her heart that she would definitely not disappoint them again this time.
Hu Changshou and Hu Changyang remained silent.
Hu Changyang's heart ached for his brother's suffering, so he didn't want to bother with Su Xiaozhi anymore.
As for Hu Changshou, it was because he had long given up. He did not dare to have any hope for Su Xiaozhi.
She needed a long time to prove that it was not a lie.
—-
Su Xiaolu returned to Goathorn Town and returned home. The three of them returned to their rooms to rest.
As soon as Su Xiaolu returned to her room, she lay down and entered the Space first.
"You're here."
Mantis Shrimp, who was lying in the pile of Interface Stones, greeted Su Xiaolu as soon as it saw her.
Su Xiaolu walked over and poked Mantis Shrimp's stomach. "Why are you so rude? According to human age, you're still a baby."
Mantis Shrimp's voice was cute, but its tone was mature.
Mantis Shrimp turned its head and rubbed against Su Xiaolu's palm. It leaned closer to her. "Xiaolu, our Guardian Beast race is a legacy. I have a lot of knowledge since I was born. After my brother died, I became a real Guardian Beast. I know even more, so although I'm young now, I have a lot of knowledge, much more than all your ancestors combined."
"Xiaolu, pet my back. I love it when you pet my back."
Mantis Shrimp rubbed against Su Xiaolu's palm, hoping that she could smooth its fur.
Su Xiaolu pinched Mantis Shrimp's ears and stroked the fur on its back. It was smooth and comfortable.
Mantis Shrimp was intelligent, but it was a beast. Being stroked made it feel very comfortable.
She would also feel more relaxed.
A few Interface Stones had already been half-eaten. Mantis Shrimp's stomach bulged slightly. Su Xiaolu felt comfortable and it even flipped on its stomach.
Its soft limbs hung down, and it closed its eyes in bliss.
"Thank you, Xiaolu. You're the best."
While Mantis Shrimp enjoyed it, it did not forget to praise Su Xiaolu.
Su Xiaolu thought of the earthquake in the foreign land. She asked in her heart, "Is it normal for an earthquake to happen in the foreign land?"
Mantis Shrimp answered Su Xiaolu without even looking up, "It's normal. The two worlds have to completely fuse. There will be more earthquakes in the future. This will last for twelve years. It's already been two years. In another ten years, it will be settled. After the complete fusion, they will become a single world. There won't be so many earthquakes then, but there will still be some occasionally. In a few decades, humans will develop and live inside."
"Twelve years. When the two worlds started to fuse, I was exactly twelve years old."
Su Xiaolu recalled what happened two years ago. She couldn't help but mutter that it might be a coincidence.
"Xiaolu is 14 years old now. When you're 24 years old, the two worlds will be one."
Mantis Shrimp said cutely.
"Why do I have the Space? Mantis Shrimp, you have so much knowledge. Do you know this?"
Su Xiaolu thought about how she had transmigrated into this world and had the Space. The two worlds had fused with each other. It was so mysterious. Could she know the answer?
"Perhaps you're lucky. According to the time, my mother was already eating the wall between the worlds at that time. You were born at that time and were lucky enough to obtain this small world."
Mantis Shrimp categorized this as luck. Anyway, it was about the same.
What it did not tell Su Xiaolu was that when the Guardian Beast raised its descendants, eating the bitwall would cause changes in other worlds. Su Xiaolu should have been affected. She was not destined to die early. The change of the Guardian Beast was also the reincarnation of the Heavenly Dao. The Heavenly Dao should compensate Su Xiaolu.
The Space was a very good gift. It could be used for storage or farming. The spiritual spring was even more precious. No matter what Su Xiaolu did, it could at least guarantee her a rich life.
However, he did not expect to meet this delicate girl. No wonder humans often said that it was fate. It was really strange.
"I see—"
Su Xiaolu smiled. Speaking of transmigration, she was both unlucky and lucky.
After playing with Mantis Shrimp for a while, Su Xiaolu left the Space to sleep.
The next day, Zhou Zhi came alone.
Su Xiaolu heard a knock on the door and opened it. Zhou Zhi, who was dressed in white, was standing in front of the door. He looked like an immortal. He smiled gently. "Good morning, Xiaolu."
"Fourth Brother, please come in."
Su Xiaolu invited Zhou Zhi into the house. Old Wu was already cultivating. When he saw Zhou Zhi, he pursed his lips.
Zhou Zhi greeted Old Wu and Gui You respectfully. "Good morning, Seniors."
"Good morning, Wisdom King."
Gui You replied coldly.
Old Wu also replied indifferently, "Yes, you're quite early."
Su Xiaolu brought Zhou Zhi to the kitchen. She smiled and said, "Fourth Brother hasn't eaten breakfast yet, right? Coincidentally, we haven't eaten either. I'm going to cook porridge to eat. Fourth Brother, do you know how to start a fire?"
Zhou Zhi nodded. "Yes."
With that, Zhou Zhi went to the stove and started a fire skillfully. Seeing that Su Xiaolu was about to wash the rice, he went over to help and naturally took the basin. "Let me do it. You have too much rice. You still have to add more water."
698 Arrangements
Su Xiaolu was really not talented in culinary skills.
Su Xiaolu looked at Zhou Zhi in embarrassment. "Thank you, Fourth Brother."
Her culinary skills in her previous life were not good, but they were not as bad as they were now.
There were some things that she knew how to make, but when she made them, the taste was different from what she had imagined.
Zhou Zhi was already at the Foundation Establishment realm and there were no flaws on his face. He looked good no matter how one looked at him.
"Xiaolu, peel the onions for me."
Zhou Zhi smiled and asked Su Xiaolu for help.
Su Xiaolu happily helped. She helped with small things like peeling onions and handing him bowls.
When the pot of meat porridge was ready, Su Xiaolu sniffed and praised from the bottom of her heart, "It smells so good."
Zhou Zhi smiled. "Go and call the two Masters over to eat."
He liked to spend time together like this. The kitchen was important in the mortal world. Looking at Su Xiaolu's figure, he felt the entire heart warm up.
The porridge also seemed to have become very fragrant too.
Gui You and Old Wu came to eat. Perhaps because of the porridge, Old Wu's expression improved a little.
The four of them ate at the table.
After finishing the entire pot, Zhou Zhi wiped the corners of his mouth elegantly. He looked at Gui You and Old Wu and said, "Seniors, what are your plans next? Are you prepared to return to the capital?"
"We don't have any plans. You're a noble and have many things to do, so you don't have to worry about the girl. Perhaps the girl will be called by Sister-in-law when she comes back soon."
Old Wu said to Zhou Zhi with a fake smile.
Gui You remained silent.
Zhou Zhi smiled and said, "If you want to return to the capital, we can go back together."
Now that the weather was cold, Su Xiaolu was most likely going back to the capital. She definitely wanted to go back and take a look at Su Xiaoling's child and Su Chong's child.
She had become an aunt.
"Fourth Brother, we're not in a hurry yet. We'll definitely go back before the new year. Now, I have to make arrangements here first. We'll go back slowly after I'm done."
Su Xiaolu smiled at Zhou Zhi.
She was going to deal with the properties in Goathorn Town. Their family would settle down in the capital, near the palace. They were not here, and their house was occupied by the Su family. She would not let them off easily.
After dealing with the properties, Hu Changshou wanted to join the army. He also had some things to settle down. After settling these down, they would return to the capital together.
Zhou Zhi definitely couldn't delay with them.
"Alright, I'll wait for you in the capital."
Zhou Zhi smiled at Su Xiaolu. He wanted to go with her, but it was obvious that he couldn't. He could only go back first. Su Xiaolu's house was in the capital. She would come home sooner or later.
Su Xiaolu nodded. "Okay."
Zhou Zhi stood up and went out. Su Xiaolu sent him out.
"This flower is for you."
Zhou Zhi gave a white flower to Su Xiaolu. Su Xiaolu took it. He smiled and turned to leave.
Su Xiaolu sniffed the flower. It smelled good and made her feel very comfortable. She put the flower in her Space.
She looked at Zhou Zhi's back. After having the wood mark, Zhou Zhi was no different from a normal person. However, when detoxifying the poison, he still did not want her to see his leg.
She really hoped that his feet would grow back soon, Su Xiaolu thought.
Only after returning to normal could Zhou Zhi's painful memories be slowly sealed and he could let go.
Zhou Zhi bade farewell to Su Xiaolu and returned to the capital.
The winter in the foreign land was cold, and it was difficult to go in. Therefore, those people from the martial world who had gathered in Goathorn Town also left.
Chu Jin stayed behind. As soon as Zhou Zhi left, he came to Su Xiaolu's side, thinking that with a companion, he could ask Gui You for guidance and freeload.
Su Xiaolu and the others did not mind having one more person.
Chu Jin was also enthusiastic and easy-going.
In the afternoon, he moved a small stool and helped Su Xiaolu deal with the herbs. He asked Su Xiaolu, "Xiaolu, is your cousin married?"
His sister, Chu Li, was about the same age as Hu Changshou. He was quite a suitable candidate for marriage.
He felt that Hu Changshou was a real man. A good man could take responsibility. His sister was a little delicate, but she also had their mother's good looks. His sister would definitely be able to take down a real man like Hu Changshou.
There was no one with a high status who did not take concubines. Her mother often nagged that if only Nini could meet someone like her father.
Chu Leizhen did not take concubines or visit brothels. He only had Madam Wen by his side.
He was devoted.
After hearing more, Chu Jin naturally took it to heart. Of course, he had to choose his sister's marriage well.
Su Xiaolu shook her head. "Unmarried."
Chu Jin cleared his throat lightly and immediately said happily, "That's great. When we return to the capital, let him meet my sister. If the two of them can get along, it will be a beautiful thing."
If Hu Changshou was capable, he would definitely have some achievements in the future. His sister would definitely not have a hard life with him.
Su Xiaolu did not expect Chu Jin to have such thoughts. She paused for a moment before saying, "Aren't you afraid that your father will hit you?"
She had heard from her eldest cousin, Qi Xingfeng, that Chu Leizhen's father was a general with a steel heart.
Chu Jin had been beaten a lot when he was young.
Chu Jin smiled and waved his hand. "Don't be afraid. When it comes to choosing a husband, of course he has to be more picky. It would be strange if a badly arranged marriage could be good."
"Look at your brother. It takes two people in love to live well."
Chu Jin thought of Su Chong. Back then, Su Chong and Lin Yaoyao had also been tested. The two of them had feelings for each other. Only then did they get together and cherish each other.
Su Xiaolu smiled. It was undeniable.
This year, Big Brother became a father and Sister became a mother.
Only by being with the person one liked would one's future be meaningful.
In the next few days, Su Xiaolu dealt with the house.
Hu Changshou sold some divine medicine and bought a house in town. After settling Hu Changyang and Madam Cao down, he came to meet Su Xiaolu.
Knowing that Madam Cao and the others had come to town, Su Xiaolu went to take a look.
Chu Jin followed.
He smiled and greeted Madam Cao and Su Xiaozhi. He patted Hu Changyang's head and said, "Study hard and practice martial arts well."
Hu Changyang nodded in embarrassment, thinking that this person was too friendly.
Madam Cao looked at Chu Jin again and again. Chu Jin was very easy-going. Although looked fierce and difficult to get along with, but in fact, he was not. He would help chop firewood, kill chickens, and pluck chicken feathers. He felt that there was not enough to eat and even begged Madam Cao, saying, "Grandma Cao, I like to eat chickens and ducks. These two are not enough."
Madam Cao immediately asked him to kill two more so that Chu Jin could eat his fill.
During the meal, Chu Jin promised Madam Cao, "Don't worry, Little Brother Changshou will follow me. I definitely won't treat him badly. After joining the army, we'll all be brothers."
Madam Cao nodded repeatedly. She was relieved.
Su Xiaozhi did not speak. However, when Su Xiaolu returned home after dinner, Su Xiaozhi chased after her and stopped her. "Xiaolu, I'm sorry."
She had hurt too many people.
Su Xiaolu did not turn around. She said calmly, "Goodbye, Aunt."
With that, Su Xiaolu left without looking back. Chu Jin wanted to ask, but when he looked back at Su Xiaozhi, whose face was covered in tears, he quickly quickened his pace and caught up to Su Xiaolu.
699 Departure
Chu Jin felt that Hu Changshou's mother was so strange.
She spoke very little and was inexplicably down. He did not know what was going on.
He really wanted to gossip, but he knew better. There were some things in every family that they didn't tell outsiders. Every time they mentioned it, it would open up a scar. No matter how much he wanted to gossip, he couldn't expose a person's scar.
He would not do such a rude thing.
Su Xiaozhi watched Su Xiaolu leave until she was out of sight.
She entered the house very quietly and carefully. During the day, she rarely spoke and did not have much presence.
She hoped they would all be fine.
But at night, as soon as she fell asleep, she would fall into those dreams and struggle.
What happened in her dreams made her even more reluctant to speak.
Su Xiaozhi became silent and only worked in silence. Everything at home was arranged by Madam Cao. She just had to be obedient.
Hu Changshou settled things home. Before he went to the capital, he didn't sleep all night. It was morning when he left home.
Su Xiaozhi leaned against the door like a tree and watched him leave quietly.
Madam Cao wiped her tears and still said to him with the gentlest and kindest smile, "Go, go. You don't have to worry about home. Grandma is still in good health. I'll take good care of your younger brother. When you get married and have children in the future, Grandma still has to take care of her great-grandson."
Hu Changyang pursed his lips and looked at Hu Changshou with reluctance.
In the end, he couldn't help but turn to Madam Cao and say, "Grandma, I'll send Big Brother off for a while."
Hu Changshou nodded and looked at his brother. He repeatedly hesitated and struggled in his heart about whether he should tell him about that matter. Once he went, it would not be a matter of three to five days. It would be a luxury to see them once a year. He was afraid of Su Xiaozhi. He was really afraid.
Hu Changyang looked at Hu Changshou many times. After walking for a while, he stopped in his tracks and said to Hu Changshou, "Brother, I'm not a child anymore. I'm also a grown man. I can also bear the responsibility you once took, so don't worry. I'm not as fragile as you think."
Hu Changshou turned to look at Hu Changyang. Hu Changyang was indeed a half-grown boy. The childishness of a child had disappeared from his eyes at some point and he was slowly maturing.
Hu Changshou smiled slightly. He reached out and touched Hu Changyang's head. "You've grown up. I've worried too much."
Hu Changyang also smiled. "Brother, so don't worry too much. Let me share your burdens."
Hu Changshou smiled. "It's still early. Let's go to the teahouse and talk."
Hu Changshou brought Hu Changyang to the teahouse. The two brothers sat down. Hu Changshou told Hu Changyang about what had happened before he went to the foreign land.
It had been a few months since the incident. He no longer had the determination and grief he had at that time.
As Hu Changyang listened, his eyes turned red and he clenched his fists.
"It's all in the past. I'm fine now."
After saying that, Hu Changshou smiled faintly. At that time, his heart was like dead ashes and he had the thought of dying.
Hu Changyang stood up and walked to Hu Changshou's side. He hugged him tightly and called out in a choked voice, "Brother."
"She seems to have changed now. After all, she gave birth to us. Grandma said that she doesn't have her own opinions. She's right. When Father was around in the past, our father was her sky. She was always guided by Father. At that time, we were actually quite happy. If she's like this now, it's not like we can't tolerate her, but if she's still like before, being manipulated by those people, Yang, I hope you won't be soft-hearted. She chose her life, but don't make your own life difficult because of her."
Hu Changshou said seriously. He had been conflicted for a long time before he decided to say this.
He clearly no longer had any expectations for her, but he would still worry and be sad because of her.
Hu Changyang held back his tears and nodded in a choked voice. "Brother, don't worry. I'll definitely remember your words."
Apart from being his mother, Su Xiaozhi had never made him happy.
Ever since he could remember, Su Xiaozhi had been sticking to her parent's. At that time, he did not understand, but now, he did. He still did not understand why she stuck to that side even when they were clearly not good to her at all.
Even if the people over there had passed away this time and left her gold, how could what she had lost be replaced by that bit of gold?
Knowing that Hu Changshou had brushed shoulders with death several times this time, Hu Changyang felt pained and uncomfortable. He knew what Hu Changshou was worried about, so he promised solemnly that he would definitely live a good life. No matter what Su Xiaozhi did, he would never let her affect his life. If she really did not change, he would pretend that he did not have this mother.
"Alright, go back quickly. If you're late, Grandma will be worried."
Hu Changshou ruffled Hu Changyang's hair and smiled.
Hu Changyang hugged Hu Changshou tightly and said softly, "Brother, be careful on the way. You must be well."
Hu Changshou nodded.
Hu Changshou felt much more at ease when they separated.
Hu Changshou came to Su Xiaolu's house. Su Xiaolu, her masters, and Chu Jin had packed up.
Chu Jin was practicing his sword with Old Wu. Gui You would help Old Wu. While he guided Old Wu, Chu Jin was also correcting his shortcomings.
Seeing that Hu Changshou was here, Chu Jin smiled and put away his sword. He chuckled and said, "Let's not practice anymore. It's time for us to set off."
It was already early October.
By the time they slowly rushed back to the capital, it would already be November.
Su Xiaolu and Chu Jin drove the carriage. Gui You, Old Wu, and Hu Changshou sat inside and set off for the capital.
The days of traveling were leisurely. Although it was called traveling, it was actually jaunting.
As it was beneficial for Chu Jin to practice swordsmanship with Old Wu, he couldn't be happier to spend more time traveling.
Hu Changshou was also practicing his abilities.
When they arrived at a lake, Su Xiaolu controlled the lake water and turned it into a tornado. Hu Changshou brought the fish inside over.
Water control and telekinesis worked well together. They even saved energy on hunting.
Special abilities also needed to be cultivated, and there were many things that needed to be enlightened by oneself.
As they approached the capital, they encountered many people from other countries. They could be distinguished from the citizens of the Great Zhou Dynasty at a glance.
During a meal, Chu Jin said, "The merchants of the Li Dynasty are almost in the capital. It seems that the princess and envoys who came to ask for marriage are also about to arrive."
"Ahem—marriage?"
When Su Xiaolu heard the word 'marriage', she instantly thought of Zhou Zhi. The only royal who was at the right age and unmarried was Zhou Zhi.
The other princes were only twelve or thirteen years old. It was impossible for a princess from another dynasty to choose such young boys.
Old Wu and Gui You looked at each other. Old Wu was inexplicably nervous. Why was this brat so concerned!!
Chu Jin replied casually, "That's right. Didn't the Wisdom King tell you? He was in a hurry to return to the capital because of this. I thought you knew."
Chu Jin was also a little surprised that Su Xiaolu did not know. He looked at Su Xiaolu and recalled the day Su Xiaolu underwent Tribulation Transcendence. Zhou Zhi risked his life to block the lightning for her. Chu Jin immediately understood. An unbelievable and mysterious thought appeared in his mind.
700 Mission
No way, no way, no way.
It shouldn't be what he thought. After all, Su Xiaolu was only 14 years old. It was too early to get married.
But it would be fine in three years at most.
Calculating his age, the Wisdom King was only 18 years old. It was the right time to get married. However, in another three years, it would not be too late to get married.
Who was the Wisdom King? He was smarter than ordinary people. One could not think of him with ordinary thoughts.
"Uh... I don't know, but looking at his age, Fourth Brother should be getting married soon. If he can fall in love with Princess Li Dynasty's princess, it will be a beautiful story."
Su Xiaolu sighed. Usually, when consorting with princesses of foreign dynasties, they were all princes. There were also people who entered the palace. That depended on whether the princess sent over was favored or not.
If she was the princess of the empress, she usually wouldn't enter the palace. After all, if she entered the palace, she would be a concubine.
Marriage to the royal family had to be done as the official wife.
Of course, she had only read these in books. She had never seen the real situation and did not understand it.
But this time, she had a chance to understand.
"Xiaolu, do you really think-"
Chu Jin looked at Su Xiaolu in surprise. He wanted to ask Su Xiaolu if she really thought it was a good story, but he was interrupted by Old Wu.
"What's there to say? This isn't the first time the two dynasties have interacted with each other. We're just ordinary people. Why are you worried about those things?"
Old Wu did not want Chu Jin to continue. There was no need for his disciple to care about this at all.
Chu Jin was a little puzzled by being interrupted.
It was mainly because he felt that Elder Wu was looking at him a little fiercely...
Su Xiaolu listened to Old Wu and nodded in agreement. "Master is right. It's not strange to interact with many countries."
In her previous life, the television dramas she had watched were all like this. It was used to maintain the relationship between the two countries. Whether it was in history or on television, it was indispensable.
If the other side married a princess over, their side would marry a princess over too. It was good for everyone.
"That's true..."
Chu Jin felt a little confused, but what Old Wu said made sense. However, why did he feel that the topic was a little off?
But that was the end of the subject.
Chu Jin still wanted to talk about the princesses in the past, but when Old Wu glared at him... Gui You's expression was also cold.
Chu Jin touched his beard tactfully and held back what he wanted to say.
At night, Chu Jin recalled deeply what was going on. He recalled everything he said during the day. He racked his brains but could not figure out why.
He scratched his ears and muttered, "I didn't say anything. I just said that the Wisdom King might want to marry..."
Chu Jin's expression changed. He finally had an answer after being confused for the entire day.
He remembered that when talking about the Wisdom King, Su Xiaolu still did not know about this. The Wisdom King was close to Su Xiaolu. He felt that the Wisdom King might like Su Xiaolu. Those two Seniors had seen a lot. Did they think so too?
They did not want him to mention it because Su Xiaolu did not know yet. They did not want Su Xiaolu to be too involved with the Wisdom King.
Thinking of this, Chu Jin immediately understood. He clicked his tongue and was instantly amused.
He realized that there were many hints. For example, the two Seniors would emphasize that they were siblings.
Su Xiaolu called Wisdom King Zhou Zhi Fourth Brother.
It seemed that it would not be easy for the Wisdom King to get the beauty.
After thinking it through, Chu Jin laughed out loud.
"Ahem—"
Old Wu coughed twice. Chu Jin quickly covered his mouth. Forget it, he had understood after interacting with them for a while. Su Xiaolu's old Master treated Su Xiaolu as the most precious thing.
If he dared to say anything, this old man would definitely find trouble with him. It was an important etiquette for him to see through it but not expose it. He had seen through it, but he would definitely not say anything.
Chu Jin hurriedly put away his thoughts and rested.
Later on, on the way, Chu Jin did not mention this again.
On the way, they met the vendors from the Li Dynasty. Su Xiaolu even bought some new things.
The high-quality silk was smoother than skin, and every bolt cost a fortune.
The people of the Li Dynasty all had thick eyebrows, big eyes, and deep facial features. Many people's eyes were like emerald lake water and blue sky. Even in the crowd, one could tell at a glance that they were different.
Most of them had curly hair, and most were dark yellow and brown in color. The difference in looks and hair color could be quickly distinguished.
Su Xiaolu thought that these must be foreigners.
Some caravans even traveled the same way as them. Su Xiaolu and the others were not in a hurry, but when they were about to enter the capital, they saw even more people from the Li Dynasty.
On the seventh of November, Su Xiaolu and the others entered the capital.
As soon as they entered the capital, Chu Jin bade farewell with Hu Changshou, Su Xiaolu, and the others.
Chu Jin cupped his hands at Old Wu and Gui You solemnly. "Seniors, thank you for your guidance along the way. Junior has benefited greatly. If there's a chance, the Chu Residence will welcome you at any time."
"Back at you."
Old Wu said calmly.
Gui You said nothing.
Chu Jin said to Su Xiaolu, "Goodbye, Xiaolu."
Su Xiaolu waved her hand. "Goodbye."
She waved at Hu Changshou again. "Cousin, take care. When you're free, don't forget to visit my parents. They miss you too."
Hu Changshou nodded. He smiled and said, "I will. When I'm settled, I'll visit Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, and the others."
Chu Jin hugged Hu Changshou's shoulder and said with a smile, "Xiaolu, don't worry. I definitely won't treat your cousin badly. Then let's part ways here. See you next time."
Chu Jin treated Hu Changshou as a brother. He would temporarily be his subordinate. The two of them would fight side by side in the future. When Hu Changshou made a contribution in the future, he would be promoted.
If he followed him, there would always be more opportunities. Hu Changshou also had his own strengths. If he brought him along, there would be an additional chance of survival.
After separating, Su Xiaolu went home with the two Masters.
Spring passed and autumn came. She had been away from home for months.
As they got closer to home, Su Xiaolu tiptoed and couldn't help but use Qinggong. She shouted at the two Masters without looking back, "Masters, I'll go ahead first."
This year, she became an aunt.
Sister-in-law Lin Yaoyao gave birth to her eldest brother's eldest son. He was already more than half a year old and was named Su Shiyu.
Her third sister, Su Xiaoling, had given birth to twin girls and they were now more than half a year old. The letter at home said that the older sister's name was Zhou Wei and she was titled Princess Ping Sheng. The younger sister's name was Zhou Xuan and she was titled Princess An Sheng.
The two children had obtained titles at such a young age. It was obvious that they were valued and doted on. She couldn't wait to see her brother's children. After seeing her brother's children, she immediately went to the palace.