Chapter 390: Today, Comforting the Loyal Souls [10,000 Words!] (Part 1)

Chapter 390: Today, Comforting the Loyal Souls [10,000 Words!] (Part 1)





"Leader Fang has arrived."

"Greetings, Leader Fang."

"Leader Fang, you've worked hard."

Countless elders pushed forward, some pulling Fang Che aside, while others, in groups of tens, surrounded him...

Then, one by one, they desperately stuffed silver notes and resources into Fang Che's hands.

"Leader Fang, we know this is too little, but... Since you're personally involved, it's too much. Let's not worry about the name, please accept these on behalf of the fallen brothers..."

"It's also our way of contributing and showing our care for the fallen brothers."

"Yes, yes..."

Everyone was sincere, wanting to lend a helping hand.

Our brothers, our fellow members, our comrades, we can't let Leader Fang do this alone, can we? If we do, what are we?

Since the fire has started, I'd rather die than not add fuel to it!

People's hearts are alike.

More and more people did the same, leaving Fang Che helpless.

This matter shouldn't be blown out of proportion.

He climbed onto a high platform, gesturing for everyone to stop, and then shouted, "I understand your actions, but this matter can only be handled by me. Please don't worry about me anymore."

"Also, why in my personal name, and why only me? Because, although we know this is a good deed, for the Guardians, it's not necessarily good. Inevitably, it will create a sense of coercion... What about the other Guardians? These are all things to consider."

"Also, I understand your intention to send me silver and resources, to participate together. But... People have different financial situations, and circumstances vary. You can't generalize... If you all send silver, it will naturally pressure those who haven't. Will they contribute? If not, they'll feel guilty. If they do, they'll face difficulties at home. We're all fellow members, who doesn't know who? Who truly has the means?"

Fang Che's words made the elders thoughtful, their faces filled with heavy sighs.

As Fang Che said, perhaps outsiders see a life of luxury, but they know their own struggles. Financial difficulties are common.

Especially when it comes to cultivation resources, the feeling of helplessness grows daily.

Fang Che continued, "Moreover, this is also a form of coercion for the other Guardians. Those affiliated with other Guardians will naturally feel pressured. Will they not be able to pool resources? So, I understand your good intentions, but your kindness will pressure the world.

This was even more straightforward.

Many elders nodded silently.

"This logic, once Leader Fang explains, we understand."

Fang Che smiled, "Don't make it difficult for me."

Standing on the high platform, he smiled, revealing a face filled with melancholy, "Who made me so rich? Who made my money so abundant, that no matter how I spend it, it never runs out? You don't understand my frustration... Sigh, let me spend it myself."

Instantly, the crowd below fell silent.

Now, they didn't want to donate, and even wanted to take back.

Steal? That won't work.

Because they can't fight him.

But thinking about it, they still couldn't win... The crowd felt more melancholy.

Of course, Fang Che was just joking, "So this time, I'll take the lead. At most, you can treat me to more drinks later, right? Consider it as me drinking it back. You won't be so petty, will you?"

The crowd burst into laughter, "That's for sure!"

Fang Che said, "Everyone, hurry up with your work. People will arrive this afternoon, and time is limited. How are the preparations?"

"That's for sure!"

Everyone resumed their busy work.

No longer mentioning donations, but everyone understood in their hearts that Leader Fang had done a good deed and taken a risk.

Good deeds are indeed good deeds, but as time passed and the news spread, who knew how many would point fingers at Leader Fang's back, calling him a show-off, a grandstander... Making others suffer...

Human hearts are complex.

Just because you do good deeds doesn't mean the whole world will understand or praise you. Some will say you're buying favor, some will say you're seeking fame, some will say you're hiding evil intentions, and some may even come to ask for support...

After all, only a minority received support, while the majority lacked resources. Compared to the entire world, it was insignificant.

Leader Fang's actions were as always, either thorough or resolutely walking further down the path of a lone wolf.

"Leader Fang, you're a real iron man!"

Jing Xiuyun couldn't help but exclaim from the heart, "If I wasn't married, I'd climb into Leader Fang's bed!"

Zhao Ying'er's face turned red, and she clicked her tongue, "Yun Jie, you're so difficult. Humph... Your brother-in-law is also a heroic hero. Compared to Leader Fang, his cultivation and martial skills are like a firefly to the moon. And in terms of appearance, it's like comparing a dung beetle to a swan... Ugh, I won't say more, I won't say more. The more I say, the more uncomfortable I feel. People make others feel inferior."

Jing Xiuyun sighed, her eyes glancing at Zhao Ying'er, and said, "If only we had met before you were married..."

Zhao Ying'er's eyes followed Fang Che's figure, and when she was called, her face turned red, "Where should I put this window flower?"

"Hahaha..."

Jing Xiuyun burst into laughter.

Halfway through his laughter, he noticed carriages arriving at the entrance of the Guardian Palace. Those were the goods he had ordered the day before. With a swift wave of his hand, he led a group of people to inspect the cargo.

In the distance, another team of carriages approached, carrying the customized boxes they had ordered.

"Come over here, this way!" Jing Xiuyun called out.

Soon, the entire Guardian Palace was bustling with activity.

Countless carriages delivered goods, forming a tightly packed queue. The Guardians, filled with excitement, directly utilized their movement techniques, darting back and forth.

...

Fang Che stood at the highest point of the Guardian Palace, hands behind his back, gazing down at the densely packed houses of the White Cloud Continent, lost in thought.

Yuan Jingjiang appeared behind him at some point.

"Fang Che, thank you!"

Yuan Jingjiang remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.

"There's no need for thanks. They were my comrades too."

Fang Che sighed softly, "Comrades are like family, and family bonds should not change due to life and death."

"Fang Che, do you know that over the past hundred years... how many Guardians in the White Cloud Continent's Guardian Palace have lost their lives?"

Yuan Jingjiang asked with a heavy heart.

Fang Che's heart skipped a beat as he suddenly realized he had overlooked something. He couldn't help but break into a cold sweat and turned around abruptly.

"How many people have been notified? Or is there a time limit?"

"You don't need to worry about that. You've already done so much. It wouldn't be right to burden you with more."

Yuan Jingjiang explained, "The notification is for the families of the Guardians who sacrificed themselves over the past hundred years. For those beyond a hundred years... each family will receive some supplies. These arrangements were made last night, and everyone in the Guardian Palace worked through the night to distribute them."

"Every family that has lost a member while serving in the Guardian Palace will receive a share, whether it's been five hundred years or a thousand years."

"But for the longest-serving families, it's been so long that even blood relatives can't be found."

He sighed lightly, "Those who can come are the families of Guardians who sacrificed themselves within the past hundred years, and there are already one hundred and seventy-five people from other continents set out last night to pick them up."

A bitter expression appeared on Yuan Jingjiang's face.

"The price of our prosperous era is the eternal sleep of countless heroic spirits."

He seemed to have a lot to say, but he could only utter these words before falling silent.

"The West Mountain Cemetery..."

Fang Che asked quietly, "How many of our people are buried there?"

"Ever since the West Mountain Cemetery was established thousands of years ago, up until a few days ago... including Tang Zheng, who was recently buried..."

Yuan Jingjiang stared blankly at the sky, where the sun was rising, and said, "The White Cloud Continent's Guardian Palace has buried forty-seven thousand one hundred and ninety-nine people!"

Forty-seven thousand one hundred and ninety-nine!

Fang Che's body trembled, and his pupils dilated, "So many?"

The number was staggering.

It's worth noting that the Guardians in the Guardian Palace were all elite warriors compared to ordinary people. Even if it's been four thousand years, with an average of over a hundred deaths per year at the very least!

Fang Che's throat went dry, "Is there not a single peaceful year among these thousands of years where no one died?"

"There must have been some peaceful years."

"Does that mean, excluding those peaceful years, the average number of deaths per year is in the hundreds?"

Fang Che was shocked.

The Guardian Palace, in normal times, had a limited number of people. Even including the various district branches, and counting the support staff like the logistics, finance, and catering departments, the total number wouldn't exceed five thousand people.

"Sometimes, during times of great demonic disasters, the deaths in the Guardian Palace are truly shocking. I've heard that during the worst year, the White Cloud Continent's Guardian Palace reportedly replaced three batches of Guardians. The first two batches... were completely wiped out, leaving none behind."

"That year, the White Cloud Continent's Guardians lost ten thousand lives!"

Yuan Jingjiang chuckled, extending his hand and pointing at the vast expanse of the White Cloud Continent. In a soft voice, he said, "Chief Fang, the prosperity of this White Cloud Continent today, with its billions of people and majestic cities, stands on the foundation of the sacrifices made by over forty thousand people!"

"But if you hadn't come... we wouldn't even have the ability to take care of the families of these heroic spirits."

Yuan Jingjiang's voice carried a heavy and weathered tone.

Fang Che fell silent.

Neither of them spoke for a while, simply gazing at the White Cloud Continent, which seemed more endearing the longer they looked. They felt a sense of heartache, as if they wanted to cry. Their shoulders felt heavy, as if bearing the weight of the heroic spirits.

Fang Che recalled a saying, "Ten thousand lights, all on my shoulders; ten thousand lives and deaths, all within me!"

At no other time had he understood this saying so deeply, feeling the weight of the responsibility within those words—as heavy as the sky, as vast as the sea!

A deep sigh dissipated in the wind.

...

In the afternoon, countless people began to gather from all directions, heading towards the White Cloud Continent's Guardian Palace. There were elderly people with white hair, middle-aged women with young or small children, and also solitary individuals; some were well-dressed, while others wore tattered clothes but maintained a dignified appearance...

Among them were warriors and ordinary people.

At the entrance of the Guardian Palace, both sides were adorned with colorful flowers, forming a vibrant display. The flowers extended outward like a well-arranged welcoming formation.

In the midst of the flowers, a large red carpet covered the ground, stretching a hundred zhang from the outside and directly paving the entire ground.

The entire Guardian Palace was covered with red carpets.

The flowers filled the air with a fragrant and refreshing scent.

Twenty-four elderly warriors who had served in the White Cloud Continent's Guardian Palace for over sixty years stood at the entrance, greeting the guests. They knew many of them personally.

Upon seeing the family members, they could accurately call out each person's name, and the registrar beside them would put a checkmark, after which two people would come over to escort them inside.

Next family... or next guest...

At the entrance of the Guardian Palace, two large couplets hung.

The upper couplet read: Iron Will Casts Continental Glory!

The lower couplet read: Heroic Spirit Guards Cloud Continent!

The horizontal scroll read: Eternal Loyalty and Valor!

Upon entering the Guardian Palace, a massive stone greeted them.

The stone was meticulously carved, perfectly square, with each side meticulously engraved with a name.

The names were densely packed, each chiseled with a steel knife, every stroke and line revealing a hidden sharpness, like silver hooks against a backdrop of iron, fierce and majestic, with a distinct aura of sharpness. It was as if a squad of warriors was standing at the ready, each holding a gleaming steel blade.

This sight evoked a profound sense of 'Hero Souls Departed, Swords Remain' from the depths of one's heart.

In front of the stone tablet stood a massive incense burner, from which curls of incense smoke rose.

Each family member who entered had an anxious look in their eyes as they searched for a familiar name on the tablet.

When they finally found it, their eyes suddenly reddened, and tears began to fall.

An old woman, almost bald, was supported by a middle-aged Martial Daoist from the Guardian Palace. She stood there trembling, her cloudy eyes fixed on a name above, her gaze filled with longing.

"Xiaoqi... I finally see you again..."

The three characters "Yan Xiaoqi" on the stone were carved with a sharp and mighty stroke, as if they were about to break through the air and fly into her eyes and heart.

"Xiaoqi, you came to the White Cloud Continent just ten days after our wedding. It's been eighty-three years since we, as husband and wife, parted ways..."

The old woman wept as tears streamed down her face, "Eighty-three years! I know you're at peace, but do you know how I've lived these years? Your son, whom you've never seen, has become a Guardian. Yet, you still stand here, as sharp and mighty as you were in your prime!"

She pointed at the name and said to her son beside her, "That's your father! Let him see you. You've done him proud, at least you're alive and well. Offer him some incense."

The middle-aged Martial Daoist bowed deeply, lit a bundle of incense, and respectfully placed it in the incense burner. He then stepped back and bowed again.

"Xiaoqi, this is your son. I've lived up to you in this life. When I die, I'll come to keep you company. I'm afraid you'll still be young and handsome then, and might not want an old woman like me..."

She stared at the name, not turning her head, and said softly, "Son, when I die, come to the Western Cemetery. Remember this."

"Mother will always be alive..."

"I've lived long enough... Your father has waited for me for eighty-three years..." The old woman shook her head, took one last lingering look at her husband's name, then turned and left.

As she walked away, she kept turning back to look.

When she finally reached the hall, she sighed, "This is where my husband used to be on duty." She caressed the walls and furniture with deep affection, as if searching for traces of her husband's presence...

Countless people stopped before the large stone.

They offered incense.

Tang Zheng's mother also arrived, supported by her sister. She saw the characters "Tang Zheng" at the bottom and caressed them with teary eyes.

"Son, are you getting used to it over there? Got a wife? Don't be so timid; if there's anything, discuss it with your wife. If you miss me, come see me in your dreams... I miss you too, every day..."

She lit the incense but didn't place it. Tears streamed down her face, "I really don't want to put down the incense. Once I do, it'll tell me that you and I are in different worlds..."

Beside her, a thin old man was squatting on the ground, caressing a name, "Li Changxue."

He didn't speak, only caressed the name with deep affection.

Just like when his son was young, he caressed his head.

"Your mother has missed you for thirty years... She went to find you last year. Have you reunited?"

The old man's face was full of wrinkles, and his eyes held a hint of envy, "You've reunited... But wait for me, I want to see my grandchildren... After I go down there, I'll report to your mother one by one..."

More people kept entering, walking on the red carpet, stopping in front of the large stone, searching and murmuring.

More and more incense and candles were lit before the stone tablet, and the smoke curled upwards.

Amidst the swirling smoke, the giant stone seemed to have gained a touch of divine essence. Each name became even more lifelike, sharp, and majestic, adding to the solemnity.

It was as if the countless heroic souls had collectively returned, silently reuniting with their families.

Silently following their families...

Jing Xiuyun was busy at the entrance when she suddenly looked up and walked straight towards a man, "Vice Chief, why are you here?"

Facing her was a tall woman with a high ponytail, wearing a Golden Star Elder uniform and carrying a long sword. Two Golden Stars adorned her collar, and she appeared clean and efficient, with a heroic aura.

"I came to see Zuo Guanglie."

The woman with the high ponytail spoke softly.

Fang Che, who was at the entrance of the hall, turned his head abruptly.

Yuan Jingjiang whispered, "That's Ju Xiushui, the Elder of the White Elephant Continent. She's Zuo Guanglie's... lover, I guess. They're both strong-willed and complicated."

Fang Che responded with a thoughtful 'hm,' his gaze deep and pained.

Ju Xiushui smiled faintly, her sword on her back. She said to Jing Xiuyun, "Zuo Guanglie once said that he'd propose to me when he reached the Golden Star rank. I've been waiting ever since..."

She stared at Zuo Guanglie's name on the stone, lost in thought, and murmured, "... He never came."

Jing Xiuyun's heart ached.

She consoled, "You too..."

Ju Xiushui smiled faintly, interrupting Jing Xiuyun, "We're both strong-willed, and it's clear we have feelings for each other, but we always want something more perfect... He asked me to marry him, and I was willing, but I said, 'Wait until you reach the Golden Star rank.' "

"After that, I regretted it, but I wouldn't admit my mistake or take the initiative. And that stubborn Zuo Guanglie just said, 'Then I'll come when I reach the Golden Star rank.' But he never came, not once!"

"If he had come just once, I would have told him that he didn't need to wait for the Golden Star rank; I'd marry him!"

"But he just didn't go."

Ju Xiushui's eyes welled up with tears, her plump lips trembling.

Jing Xiuyun also shed tears, "Ju Zong, you... going in?"

"I'm not going in."

Ju Xiushui took a deep breath and said, "I'm not his family yet, I haven't become his family yet... how can I go in? If I go in, even if Left Light is in the netherworld, he won't be at peace."

"But..."

Jing Xiuyun felt the pain in her heart and didn't know what to say.

"I came here just to tell Left Light one thing!"

Ju Xiushui smiled, her smile blooming like a flower.

She cupped her hands to her mouth, forming a megaphone, and shouted towards the large stone with Left Light's name, "Left Light! Listen up! If time could flow backwards, and we could return to the day you asked if I was willing to marry you... I would tell you: I am willing!"

Her clear voice echoed in the air.

Everyone was moved.

Unconsciously, they turned to look at the tall, graceful woman standing at the entrance.

Ju Xiushui calmly faced everyone's gaze, her lips trembling, but her eyes fixed on that name.

She seemed to be waiting for a response.

But in the end, she was disappointed.

Amid the swirling smoke, Left Light's name remained silent, its sharp strokes visible through the haze.

Ju Xiushui gave a bitter laugh, "You're still so stubborn! Left Light, we'll meet again in the netherworld, and then we'll settle the account of this life."

She turned and left, walking ten zhang away, but couldn't help turning back again.

However, Left Light's name was now completely obscured by the smoke.

She bit her lip hard and finally turned away.

Two tears fell onto the red carpet.

The red silk on the shoulder blade trembled and gradually disappeared into the distance.

Jing Xiuyun's tears fell, filled with sorrow, but she felt someone beside her. Turning, she saw Fang Che, who had silently appeared at her side, his gaze fixed on the direction where Ju Xiushui had left.

Jing Xiuyun said, "Fang Zong, this is..."

Fang Che whispered, "I know, this is Ju Xiushui, Left Light's most beloved before his death."

He watched Ju Xiushui's figure until it disappeared into the distance before finally turning around.

Looking at Left Light's name in the smoke.

He stood quietly for a while.

"Old Left..."

Fang Che called out softly, his voice low, almost inaudible.

"Fang Zong?"

Jing Xiuyun didn't hear clearly and asked uncertainly.

"It's nothing."

Fang Che took a breath and said, "Xiuyun."

"Yes?"

"In the future... if Ju Zong has any matters, remember to tell me. When we can help, we must remember to lend a hand."

"Yes, Fang Zong. That's what we should do."

Fang Che nodded.

"She just left, which is a bit unexpected."

"Fang Zong, Ju Zong can't come in."

"Hmm?"

"Unmarried, it's inappropriate. If she comes in, even Left Zhishi's spirit in heaven won't approve. He'll think he's hindered Ju Zong's happiness, making his soul restless. Because... outside, she's an unmarried woman, but if she comes in, she becomes a widow."

Jing Xiuyun spoke softly, "Fang Zong, Ju Zong actually wanted to come in. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come today. But today, she managed to restrain herself and didn't act as willful as usual."

Fang Che raised his face and closed his eyes.

In his mind, he saw Ju Xiushui's expression as she left, biting her lip and forcing back tears. This girl... perhaps, for her entire life, she'll regret that day when she didn't agree to Left Light's proposal...

"In the mortal world, there are countless regrets."

Fang Che's heart sank, as if weighed down by a mountain.

Jing Xiuyun, on the other hand, was calm and said softly, "Fang Zong... there's no other way. As long as the Only Righteous Sect exists, such regrets will happen every day... many times."

"After guarding the Guardian Palace for a long time, one's heart becomes open-minded and carefree."

"Because if you can't look past things, you can't work here."

Jing Xiuyun smiled faintly, "Every moment, there might be fellow brothers and sisters leaving me; every moment, I might leave everyone and return to eternal silence."

"The Western Mountain Cemetery is our... eternal resting place."

Jing Xiuyun smiled and said, "So today, Fang Zong, we sincerely appreciate you! Thank you!"

She spoke solemnly.

Fang Che remained silent.

He took a deep breath and exhaled.

The incense candles burned, and smoke filled the Guardian Palace.

Fang Che felt that as he walked into the palace, the countless engraved names seemed to turn into countless eyes, watching him through the rising smoke.

Fang Che stopped and turned around.

He saluted those names, those heroic souls.

He strode away.

In the afternoon, at the beginning of Shen hour, all the heroic souls' families had arrived.

The summer wind blew fiercely, and in the sky, clouds gathered, forming a unique and spectacular fish scale cloud pattern.

Layer upon layer, one after another; pure white and flawless.

The sunlight shone obliquely, and each cloud was outlined with a golden edge.

The golden light was dazzling.

Like a well-disciplined and majestic soldier.

Inside the hall, tens of thousands of people gathered, yet everything was orderly.

The walls of the entire hall were covered with the deeds of fallen heroes, each name accompanied by a story, neatly displayed.

Everyone stood before the names and stories of their loved ones, gazing for a long time.

Occasionally, there were sobs, but they were filled with nostalgia and pride.

On the platform at the front, there were eight characters.

Eternal Heroic Name.

Eternal Heroic Spirit!

Tea and snacks were laid out on tables, and people chatted, introducing themselves. Some were excited, some were encouraged, all participating in this solemn occasion...

The solemn atmosphere of the palace, surrounded by the heroes' families, made everyone feel incredibly safe and at ease.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end