Chapter 174: Departure and Longing

"Lu Xiao Da Fu, Chen Laodaifu... are you really leaving?" At the Wei Family Residence, Wei Zian rushed to the Youzhu Xiao Yuan the moment he heard Lu Qing and the others were preparing to depart.

He found his parents already standing there.

"Yes," Lu Qing nodded. "We’ve stayed here long enough. It’s time we returned. If we don’t go back soon, the villagers will surely worry."

They had been in the County Town for nearly half a month. Though they’d sent word back to Jiu Li Village via the Wei Family’s messengers, such a prolonged absence would naturally stir concern among the villagers.

Now that the matter in the County Town had been resolved, there was no reason to linger. Besides, while the County Town was pleasant, it came with too many restrictions. Lu Qing had even had to be cautious during his training, afraid of disturbing others.

Home was far better—deep in the mountains, he could train freely, no matter how loud or wild he became, without troubling anyone.

Old Doctor, too, felt a strong pull to return. In Jiu Li Village, he still had a few patients whose conditions weren’t fully healed. He’d prepared medicine for them before leaving, but it would be nearly exhausted by now. He needed to return for follow-up visits.

"Lu Xiao Langjun, what are you saying?" Wei Xinghe hurriedly protested. "Having you and Old Doctor stay here is an honor for our Wei Family Residence. How could it possibly be a bother?"

He’d have gladly kept them forever.

"Indeed," Wei Fu Ren added. "You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. We wouldn’t dream of calling it a disturbance."

She didn’t want them to leave—especially not Xiao Yan. Over these past days, she’d taught the girl to read and write, and their close daily companionship had made her feel like a mother to the child.

"Thank you all for your kindness," Lu Qing said gently. "But we’ve been away from home too long. It’s time we returned."

Despite their heartfelt pleas, Lu Qing and Old Doctor remained firm in their decision.

Reluctantly, Wei Xinghe ordered preparations made.

As for Wei Shanhai, he hadn’t shown up at all—whether he was absent from the residence or simply didn’t care, no one knew.

Not long after, Wei Xinghe and the others escorted them to the City Gate.

"You’re living quite the life, aren’t you?" Lu Qing smirked, eyeing the plump ox pulling the ox cart, which had been brought by the Wei Family’s servants.

"Moo!" The large ox recognized Lu Qing and the others, and happily let out a soft cry, gently nudging Lu Qing’s hand with its head.

Lu Qing began taking the several boxes from the servants and loading them onto the cart. Most contained local specialties he’d bought for the villagers.

As for the generous gifts the Wei Family had prepared, they accepted only a token portion, politely declining the rest.

At their current cultivation level, gold and silver meant little. They still had chests upon chests of wealth at home—more than they knew what to do with.

"Xiao Yan, come on!" Once everything was loaded, Lu Qing called out.

"Bye-bye, Auntie!" Xiao Yan, still holding Xiao Li in her arms, waved tearfully to Wei Fu Ren. These past days, she’d spent nearly every moment with her, and their bond had grown deep.

Wei Fu Ren was heartbroken. Tears welled in her eyes. "Be good, Xiao Yan. When I’m free, I’ll come visit you in Jiu Li Village."

"Really? Then I’ll wait for you at home!" Xiao Yan’s eyes lit up.

Wei Fu Ren’s heart ached. She almost gave in and followed them. But she held herself together, blinking back tears. "Of course I mean it."

The little girl beamed, then bounced toward Lu Qing and was lifted onto the cart.

Old Doctor, still wearing his Doubli, sat up front. His reclusive, low-profile lifestyle meant that, aside from the Wei Family, no one in the County Town had realized that the mysterious Xian Tian Jing who’d suddenly appeared was none other than the famed Chen Laodaifu.

"Wei Family Head, no need to see us further. Though we may walk together for a thousand miles, parting is inevitable. We’ll take our leave here," Lu Qing said, bowing respectfully.

"Lu Xiao Brother," Ma Gu, who had just arrived at the gate, laughed heartily. "Once I finish my family duties, I’ll head straight to the Big Market to steal your cooking and drink your wine!"

"Ha! That’s a promise," Lu Qing laughed in return.

With laughter ringing in the air, Old Doctor cracked his whip. The crisp snap echoed through the streets as the ox cart slowly began its journey outward—just as it had arrived, from afar.

But this time, the cart carried fewer people.

Wei Fu Ren and Wei Zian watched it fade into the distance, eyes glistening.

They had returned to the County Town in fear and trembling. Now, the very cart that had escorted them through their ordeal was leaving.

Emotions surged within them—grief, nostalgia, relief, and sorrow all mingling in their hearts.

"Bye-bye, Auntie!" As the cart disappeared into the horizon, Xiao Yan stood up and waved frantically. Her small voice carried far.

Wei Fu Ren could no longer hold back. Tears spilled down her cheeks.

Lu Qing and the others left the city openly and without secrecy. So news of their departure spread swiftly across the city, reaching every faction.

"They really left?" In the County Magistrate’s Residence, Yan Canghai stared at his loyal subordinate, his expression serious.

"Yes, sir. I saw with my own eyes—Lu Xiao Langjun riding the ox cart, the little girl on board. The driver appeared to be an old man. Many others in the city also witnessed it," the subordinate confirmed.

"Did you see the old man’s face?" Yan Canghai pressed.

"No, sir. He wore the Doubli, concealing his features. But his voice was clearly old, and his face was hidden."

"So he’s still hiding his identity," Yan Canghai muttered, disappointment flashing in his eyes. He waved his hand. "You may go."

Once the man left, Yan Canghai sat in silence for a long while, then suddenly stood and walked to the small pavilion where the Cloth-Clothed Youth resided.

Just as he reached to knock, a soft voice came from nearby.

"What is it?"

He turned. His friend stood by the pavilion, holding a scroll of paper.

Yan Canghai smiled and approached. "I just received word—Lu Xiao Langjun and his master have left the County Town."

"Hmm." The Cloth-Clothed Youth nodded, his face unreadable.

"Zhi Rui... now that they’re gone, can you finally tell me who that mysterious Xian Tian Jing truly is? You said he’s someone you know. I’ve been searching, but no one matches."

For days, Yan Canghai had scoured every known martial artist he knew. No one fit the description. Then he tried to trace Lu Qing’s origins—but found nothing. The boy seemed to have appeared from nowhere, with no prior reputation in the world.

His curiosity had reached its peak.

The Cloth-Clothed Youth said nothing, only stared at him.

Yan Canghai felt a chill. He forced calm into his voice. "Earlier, you said the Wan Nian Bian Ju was terrifying. I didn’t dare ask. But now, at least tell me who this man is. You said I know him."

After a long silence, the Cloth-Clothed Youth sighed, defeated. "Very well. I’ll tell you. The Xian Tian Jing you saw... is someone you’ve met before. Chen Song Qing—Chen Laodaifu."

"What?!" Yan Canghai’s eyes widened. His mind went blank, stunned.

After a long pause, he finally stammered, "Zhi Rui… are you sure? That Xian Tian Jing… is Chen Song Qing?"

The Cloth-Clothed Youth gave him a sideways glance—almost disdainful.

"But… that’s impossible!" Yan Canghai swallowed hard. "Chen Laodaifu may be strong, reaching the peak of Nei Fu Jing. But at his age, his vital energy should have long since waned. Just maintaining his current level is already impressive. How could he possibly break through so rapidly—reaching Xian Tian status?"

And not just that—he was powerful enough to intimidate even veteran Xian Tian Jings like Wang Cangyi.

Yan Canghai couldn’t believe it.

"Frankly, I’m surprised too," the Cloth-Clothed Youth admitted. "Chen Laodaifu is no ordinary man. From what I’ve learned, he’s spent his entire life doing good—healing the sick, saving lives. He’s a true embodiment of compassion and virtue. Years of selfless deeds have gathered merit within him—Merit Light."

He paused.

"If I’m not mistaken, it was that Merit Light that allowed him to reverse the natural decline of his body in old age. He pushed forward, defying fate, and ascended to the Xian Tian realm—something countless martial artists dream of."

"It was all the result of his long accumulation. Just… not the usual path."

"Merit Light… from good deeds?" Yan Canghai was utterly bewildered. He didn’t understand.

But this time, the Cloth-Clothed Youth didn’t elaborate.

He brushed his sleeves, placed his scroll on the stone table in the pavilion.

"Since Lu Xiao Langjun has left, so must I. Thank you for your hospitality, Canghai."

"You’re leaving too?" Yan Canghai was stunned.

"Yes. I’ve stayed here long enough. But before I go, I have a few words for you."

His tone was serious. Yan Canghai, already about to speak, fell silent.

"Truthfully, I’m disappointed in you. I thought you’d been biding your time in Cang County, refining yourself in secret. But what I’ve seen… you’re wasting your time. You’ve regressed. You’re not even the man you once were."

He looked directly into Yan Canghai’s eyes. "Frankly, you no longer have what it takes to compete with your brothers. So I advise you to let go of your ambitions. Stay put, do your duty as County Magistrate. As long as you’re obedient, the capital won’t notice you. Your mother won’t have to live in fear every day."

Yan Canghai said nothing. He stared at the ground, heart heavy.

"Enough. Think about it," the Cloth-Clothed Youth said, then vanished in a flicker of motion.

"Zhi Rui…" Yan Canghai called out, but there was no reply.

"One last thing—don’t provoke Lu Xiao Langjun."

The voice faded into the distance.

Yan Canghai remained alone in the pavilion, hollow and lost.

…

"Brother! Brother! That flower is so pretty! And that one over here is beautiful too!" As the ox cart rolled forward, the scenery shifting around them, Xiao Yan, who had been sad at parting from Wei Fu Ren, quickly forgot her sorrow.

She pointed excitedly at wildflowers by the roadside, shouting to Lu Qing.

Though she’d seen them on the way in, the sight felt fresh again.

"Yes, they are lovely," Lu Qing smiled, relieved to see her happy.

Children’s hearts were fleeting. Grief came fast, and went just as fast.

Xiao Li, meanwhile, was already bouncing around the cart, its small form darting in and out of the air, playful and full of life.

During their stay at the Wei Family Residence, Xiao Li had followed Lu Qing’s orders strictly—never revealing its true abilities. It had only shown its extraordinary intelligence, appearing as a harmless, affectionate pet to everyone.

Even Wei Fu Ren, who suspected something unusual, had never seen its real power.

Now, finally free from restraint, Xiao Li was bursting with joy.

They’d left early and didn’t stop along the way. So this time, they didn’t spend a night on the road. With steady pace, they arrived back in Jiu Li Village just before dusk.

"We’re almost home!" Xiao Yan’s face lit up, her eyes scanning the familiar landscape.

She missed the village. She missed everyone.

Xiao Li stood on Lu Qing’s shoulder, gazing toward Jiu Li Village, its eyes shining.

The Residence had been comfortable—plenty of fish, good food every day. But for some reason, Xiao Li still preferred life in the village.

"Finally… back," Old Doctor sighed, having removed his Doubli. He looked ahead with warmth. He’d lived here for years—this place held deep meaning.

"Master, I’ll go take down the Red Rope first," Lu Qing said, hopping down.

When he untied the rope from the tree and returned it to its place beneath the stone slab, the villagers finally noticed the cart.

Instantly, the entire village erupted in excitement.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end