Chapter 390: Today, Comforting the Loyal Souls [10,000 Words!] (Part 2)

Chapter 390: Today, Comforting the Loyal Souls [10,000 Words!] (Part 2)

It was heartwarming.

There's a feeling of wanting to cry.

This is the first time the Guardian Palace of the White Cloud Continent has held such an event in its history, or perhaps it's the first time the Southeast Guardian Headquarters has done so.

It's a groundbreaking moment.

Everyone who has come here feels a sense of profound peace in their hearts.

The continent has not forgotten the sacrifices of my family's heroes.

It's enough!

To be able to attend such an event once in a lifetime is enough!

In the crowd, a young woman with a delicate and gentle face holds the hand of a seven or eight-year-old boy. She stands in front of a board with a name written on it, but her expression is somewhat unnatural.

Her face shows embarrassment.

She even dares not look at the name above.

The name on the board reads, "Huang Dayou."

This woman is Qin Fang.

She holds the child's hand tightly, as if gathering courage for herself. Her voice trembles, "Youzhi, this is your father. Your father is a hero."

The child looks up at the board, and she does too.

She quietly closes her eyes, her heart filled with bitterness, guilt, and helplessness.

"I'm sorry, Youzhi... But I have no choice. The family has to live, and the children need to grow up. I... I'm not capable of earning enough for the family's survival and the children's cultivation..."

"I've brought shame to you... I've brought shame to the Guardian Palace..."

...

Finally, the emotional outburst subsides.

The current members of the Guardian Palace, each in their crisp uniforms, begin to enter the hall one after another, walking into the crowd and standing straight in various corners.

Golden and silver stars adorn their collars, shining brightly.

All the families present suddenly fall silent.

In the sea of black uniforms adorned with golden and silver stars, they feel like their own family has come back to life.

They greedily gaze at the familiar uniforms.

Tears well up in their eyes once more.

"Families!"

A voice comes from the stage. Jing Xiuyun, dressed in the uniform of a priest, stands tall and straight, her gaze warm and friendly. "We, the entire Guardian Palace of the White Cloud Continent, warmly welcome you all, and we are delighted to see you. We are grateful to everyone. On behalf of all the eternal heroic souls, we welcome you!"

Everyone stands straight, gazing at Jing Xiuyun on the stage.

"Please take your seats first."

"This event is held to..."

Jing Xiuyun gives a graceful opening speech, warm without being sentimental, solemn, and dignified, making everyone's hearts feel warm.

"...This event is held thanks to Fang Che's insistence. Fang Che firmly believes that heroes should not be forgotten, and neither should their families!"

Jing Xiuyun says, "Next, please welcome Fang Che's speech."

Jing Xiuyun steps aside.

At the entrance, a figure appears, tall and straight like a spear.

In his crisp uniform, the golden stars shine brightly. He is handsome and upright, with a determined gaze and a resolute expression. His stride is firm and confident.

Fang Che ascends the stage, his eyes scanning everyone's faces, a smile thawing the ice on his lips, and even his eyes warming up.

The hearts of the crowd warm up as well.

Many of the elders think to themselves, "What a handsome young man."

"Let me say something that I want everyone to believe. I'm usually a very reclusive and cold person, but today, seeing you all, I can't help but feel warm. Because... you make me feel like we are one family."

Fang Che waves his hand lightly, pointing to the names of the predecessors on the wall, and says slowly, "We and the heroes are one family."

His face gradually returns to calmness, becoming solemn.

"First of all, I apologize to everyone because... for so many years, we haven't had enough funds to hold such an event."

"We think about doing this every moment, even in our dreams. But... we've been powerless all this time. It's embarrassing. As guardians, we are the sacrificed heroes' brothers and sisters, but we've been unable to take good care of their families. For this, we feel guilty!"

He bows deeply, "These years have been hard on you."

Below, no one speaks, but there are soft sobs and the sound of tears falling to the ground.

"I apologize again to everyone... Such events cannot be held every year, and even after today, it's still difficult to take care of every family. We feel ashamed before the heroic souls!"

"This time, it's a personal initiative of our Guardian Palace of the White Cloud Continent, and it doesn't represent that other Guardian Palaces will hold similar events, so... there's no comparison. It's the first time, and if there are any shortcomings, please understand."

Fang Che's voice deepens, "This Guardian Palace department, in the eyes of ordinary people, is like a group of gods, high above, flying around, capable of moving mountains and fighting battles that can wipe out small hills... It seems impressive. But only we, the guardians, know what kind of work this is."

"The Guardian Palace of the White Cloud Continent was established... As of today, the cumulative number of employees has become uncountable. But in the past four thousand years, the cumulative number of employees is three million, ninety-four thousand, five hundred and sixty people!"

"In four thousand years, four hundred and seventy-one thousand, nine hundred and seventy-nine colleagues have sacrificed their lives!"

"On average, one out of eight dies! On average, over a hundred sacrifices every year."

"A death quota of one out of eight!"

"The years of peace, when there were no major battles or crises, don't even add up to two hundred years."

"During major battles or crises, the entire Guardian Palace may be wiped out in a single night, with no survivors. There was once a year when all positions in the Guardian Palace were rotated three times!"

"The first two batches were all wiped out, with no survivors."

"Choosing to be a guardian is not a choice for glory, high status, or being surrounded by flowers, but a choice for death and sacrifice!"

"As a priest of the Guardian Palace, I, Fang Che, can represent all my colleagues and all the heroic souls to say this: We are not afraid of death, and we are not worried about sacrifice!"

"But the ones we've always let down are you!"

"We seek righteousness and are willing to give everything for our beliefs, our persistence, and our continent.

But as we give our all, we also sacrifice your happiness!"

"This is our greatest regret, and the greatest regret of all our fallen heroic spirits!"

"We have done right by the continent, the people, our beliefs, and ourselves. We have upheld justice and worn the uniform with pride, cultivating our strength and conscience. Yet, we have wronged you!"

"Just this year, in less than half a year, we have already sent seventy-three of our brothers-in-arms to the West Mountain Cemetery!"

"In the future, more will continue to join them."

Fang Che's voice deepened, "So today, we will do our utmost. Despite the pressure from all corners of the world, we will organize this event to apologize to the heroes' spirits in heaven and their families. We will give them the glory they deserve and a small token of our sincerity."

He waved his hand, and a group of people entered, each carrying a tray, which they placed in a corner of the wall, stacking them high.

Fang Che took a small brocade box from the pile.

"The first item is this Hero Emblem, crafted by the Guardian Palace of the White Cloud Continent. The words 'White Cloud Heroes' are inscribed on it, and it is a gift to all our fallen brothers and to ourselves."

"Crossed swords, eternal loyalty."

"On the back, in small characters, is the hero's name, and on either side, the words: 'If my family has not suffered injustice, the Guardian Palace of the White Cloud Continent must uphold justice!'"

"This is our promise to the heroes. We will address all injustices and ensure no one dares to humiliate you! If anyone dares to violate this, I, Fang Che, will set the rules!"

His eyes scanned the room, and he spoke firmly to all the staff of the Guardian Palace, "We will be strict and severe, never compromising!"

"Strict and severe, never compromising!"

Everyone roared in unison, their blood boiling.

"When leaving, each family will come to claim their emblem."

"Additionally, for the arrival of all the families, we have prepared a small token of our sincerity, not much."

Fang Che said, "A few foundational pills for the children, a few pills for the adults, two longevity pills for the elders, and one thousand taels of silver for each family."

Below, everyone was deeply moved.

These items, though not many, were extremely valuable to ordinary families. Together, they were worth a staggering two thousand taels of silver.

The number of families present was astonishing—nearly eight or nine thousand. Adding the expenses of the day, it was a figure that ordinary people could only dream of!

"Today, we have over eleven hundred and twenty families present, and each will receive these items. After tonight's banquet, everyone can come and claim their share."

"It's embarrassing. The heroes gave everything, and all we can offer is this insignificant token."

Fang Che sincerely said, "Please don't be shy, everyone. This is the legacy of the heroes, a symbol of their glory! Please don't refuse!"

Below, everyone was deeply touched.

They, too, were the families of heroes, and they understood the true situation of martial cultivators.

Cultivation resources were always in short supply.

Every cultivator's family struggled to make ends meet.

Perhaps in the eyes of ordinary people, they lived a life of luxury and wealth, but they knew the reality was different.

Especially for those without any side income, their strength was insufficient to generate any extra earnings...

Fang Che was well aware of the financial situation of the Guardian Palace. While it wasn't exactly a poor institution, it was impossible to meet the cultivation needs of so many cultivators.

Where did they get such a large sum of money?

Moreover, Fang Che's words were filled with the legacy of the heroes and the glory they embodied...

His words left the crowd without any reason to refuse.

Fang Che, standing above, seemed determined not to give the crowd a chance to refuse. Instead of engaging in pleasantries, he cut straight to the point and got down to business.

"Additionally, today's opportunity is rare, and I have a few words I'd like to say to everyone."

Fang Che spoke earnestly, "Although it's a bit difficult to bring up, I'd like to say a few words on behalf of our fallen brothers."

"Everyone has their own life path. When a family loses its pillar, the emotional impact is profound. I understand this, and I won't speak in lofty terms..."

"Well, if the family is financially stable and the emotional bond is strong, choosing to live alone or..."

"If there are other thoughts... and in this difficult world..."

Fang Che's face reddened, but he spoke seriously, "We... can only offer our blessings."

"The glory of heroes, the sacrifice of souls, hope... does not become your burden."

"I hope you understand my words."

Everyone knew what he was about to say, and indeed, as Fang Che said, it was a difficult topic to broach.

Seeing Fang Che stammering on stage, everyone initially wanted to laugh.

But as they listened, their hearts grew heavy.

Many women shared the same fate, almost shedding tears.

They knew how difficult it was for a single woman with children to survive in such a harsh world. Some nights, they cried themselves to sleep.

Some things were simply beyond a woman's capabilities.

Countless times, they felt suffocated by the pressures of life, yet they always thought, 'My man is a hero. How could I do anything to shame him?' Or they'd think, 'Wait until the kids grow up a bit more... Wait until they grow up a bit more...'

And so, their youth slipped away.

Gradually, as the children grew up and became capable of supporting the family, life became less challenging, and the once-troubled minds of the parents began to find peace. This peace lasted until they grew old.

The glory of heroes—these words could sometimes be enough to weigh on a woman's heart for her entire life.

"If there's anything you want... we will do our best to make it happen, and we will offer our blessings. At that time..."

Fang Che spoke sincerely, "Those of us who are alive in the Guardian Palace will attend, offer our congratulations, and prepare a dowry..."

He spoke softly, "I know that what I'm about to say may not sound pleasant, and such matters are often not accepted by many in this world. Perhaps it's considered rebellious, and if it gets out, I might be cursed by everyone. But... I still have to say it."

"Following people like us... is truly difficult. Every day is filled with anxiety, and when men leave in the morning, they never know if they'll return in the evening. Each day is a torment."

"So, we understand, we bless, and we propose this, and we will never regret it."

"I believe that our fellow heroic souls will also understand."

"Our principle is... we don't encourage remarriage, nor will we force it. We let nature take its course. If there's truly such a thought, we will understand, bless, and do everything we should."

He showed a warm smile, "That's all I have to say. Next, we've prepared an entertainer troupe for everyone, and our fellow Guardians will also go up and perform."

"May our families have a wonderful time today, fulfill their wishes, soothe their hearts, and smile brightly."

Fang Che stood straight and bowed deeply.

The audience erupted in thunderous applause.

Everyone had tears in their eyes, clapping vigorously.

That afternoon, everyone in the Guardian Palace, including Yuan Jingjiang and Fang Che, became servers, weaving through the crowd and conversing with everyone they met.

On stage, a program was being performed, and a play was being sung.

Below, dishes were served, drinks poured, and delicious food and drinks were offered.

Countless elders wiped away tears, murmuring, "So good, so good."

The names of heroic souls on the wall seemed to smile with warmth and contentment.

Later, as performances began, even Hong Erquezi went up and did his part; regardless of the quality, the audience cheered thunderously. Then, everyone suddenly clamored for Fang Che to perform. Fang Che, looking bewildered, was pushed onto the stage, and he was expected to demonstrate his sword skills like the others. However, the crowd insisted that Fang Che sing...

"Sing one! Sing one!"

Fang Che's bewildered expression amused the audience for the rest of the year.

Finally, under pressure, Fang Che began to sing a song about the Four Directions of the World. But as soon as he opened his mouth, the audience almost collectively cringed.

The accompanying instruments were overwhelmed by Fang Che's off-key singing, and he sang the entire song out of tune.

The various instruments created a chaotic mess.

No one expected that such a handsome, clean, and carefree man would be so tone-deaf.

But that wasn't the end of it.

Midway through the song, he seemed quite absorbed...

The audience burst into laughter, some even falling over...

"Oh my..."

An old lady almost laughed her teeth out, "I must say, after hearing Fang Che sing tonight, I never want to hear this song again in my life..."

This statement resonated with everyone's thoughts.

Finally, after singing the last note, Fang Che seemed reluctant to stop, "Should I sing another one..."

"Get down!"

The power of over ten thousand people speaking in unison was immense.

Fang Che was immediately booed off the stage.

Laughter filled the air, and the subtle melancholy dissipated.

After Fang Che left the stage, under Jing Xiuyun's subtle signal, he approached Qin Fang, raising his cup in greeting, "Hello, Sister Qin."

Qin Fang felt a bit awkward but replied with a gentle smile, "Hello, Fang Che."

"Mmm... Your child is adorable."

Fang Che, thinking about the long lead-up, decided to be direct, "Sister Qin, would you listen to our advice?"

Qin Fang's eyes grew gloomy as she turned to look at Huang Dayou's name on the wall, biting her lip without speaking.

Fang Che noticed her hesitation and knew she was moved. He clapped his hands decisively, "On that day, we at the Guardian Palace will prepare the dowry, and it will be like giving away our daughter. Hong Erquezi is always so shameless, and he never behaves properly. So, Sister Qin, we'd appreciate it if you could keep an eye on him for us."

Qin Fang's face reddened, "I'm not... I... I..."

"Then it's settled."

Fang Che made a firm decision, "At that time, I, Fang Che, will be responsible for the groom's side, and Yuan Jingjiang will take care of the bride's side."

He patted the boy beside him on the head, "Let's work together to give the child a better future."

The idea of providing a better future for the child deeply moved Qin Fang.

"Then... thank you, Fang Che..."

She lowered her head, her face flushed.

"It's our family matter. It's not a burden."

Fang Che smiled and nodded.

He made a 'done' gesture behind his back to Jing Xiuyun.

It meant his work was done, and the rest was up to the women to discuss.

Jing Xiuyun's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but admire Fang Che's efficiency.

Who would have thought that Fang Che's matchmaking skills were so impressive?

With just a few words, he had resolved a matter that Hong Erquezi had struggled with for six or seven years.

If he were to become a matchmaker... Oh my... would other matchmakers still have a chance?

In the crowd, an old lady without hair watched Fang Che's busy figure from start to finish.

She couldn't help but sigh and said to her son, who was wearing the Guardian Palace uniform, "If there had been someone like him back then, your mother would have endured much less hardship... You ungrateful child, look at how the Guardian Palace of the White Cloud Continent is managed."

Looking at your side... sigh, what a difference!"

The middle-aged man's face turned red with embarrassment. "Mom, this is different... The Guardian Palace truly can't afford this much money. Not only for such a large-scale event, but even if we tried to organize something on a tenth of this scale, we couldn't do it... We really don't have the funds."

"Hmph... Did their money fall from the sky?"

The old lady hummed, "Look at the people here today, you can see from their faces and bodies that none of them are free from grievances, injustices, or hardships... But with today, all the past grievances and injustices will dissipate."

"It's worth it!"

"Even I, an old lady, feel that these eighty years have been worth it. What more for others? The Cloud Continent Guardian Palace has truly placed these people in their hearts. They've truly cared for them... Child, this is what touches people's hearts!"

"From now on, those who come here will leave with their heads held high and chests puffed out. Why? Because they feel fulfilled, knowing that all their sacrifices have been rewarded. Especially when facing the families of other Guardian Palaces, they will feel even more honored."

"What is this? This is glory!"

"You can be excited about a medal for years, but what about the people here? What do they have to be proud of? Do they also have your medals? No, right? You should consider this. It's not that we want you to spend so much money, but we want you to see, to let the widows and relatives of these heroes feel that their sacrifices were worth it."

"You work for the continent, for glory, for the people, but what about those who follow you? Don't they deserve better?"

The old lady muttered, "You must put it in your heart, truly in your heart."

As she spoke, Fang Che squeezed through the crowd, and the old lady grabbed his hand, refusing to let go. "Chief Fang, this is great, truly great."

Fang Che smiled warmly, "You're too kind, it's just my duty."

The old lady held his hand, "Chief Fang, have you found a wife yet?"

Fang Che broke into a sweat, "I've been looking, I've been looking."

"Is she here today?"

"Yes, she's here."

"Where is she?"

The old lady persisted, and Fang Che had no choice but to gently point towards Ye Meng, who was talking with Zhao Ying'er.

The old lady immediately showed a disappointed expression, "You really found one."

Then she revealed a satisfied look, "This girl is so beautiful, only a good girl like her is worthy of Chief Fang."

Fang Che nodded repeatedly, almost breaking into a sweat.

He looked at the middle-aged man with a pleading expression.

Understanding, the middle-aged man said, "Mom, let me talk to Chief Fang for a moment."

"Hmph... You're good at muddling things..." The old lady was old, but not at all confused.

Rolling her eyes, she went to chat with another old lady.

The middle-aged man wiped his sweat and looked up to see Fang Che doing the same. The two of them smiled at each other.

"Chief Fang, where did the money come from?"

The middle-aged man lowered his voice, "Over a hundred million, right?"

"About that... Cough, someone donated." Fang Che was vague.

"That's great."

Seeing Yuan Jingjiang approaching, Fang Che quickly slipped away.

The middle-aged man stopped Yuan Jingjiang, "Hall Master Yuan."

"Vice Hall Master Yan."

"Hall Master Yuan, there's no need for secrets. Where did the money come from? Who sponsored it?"

"What... What do you mean sponsored? This is all from Chief Fang's personal funds. He organized this under his own name; our Guardian Palace couldn't afford it."

"Chief Fang's money?" The middle-aged man was shocked.

"Yes, and to avoid moral coercion and possible reactions from other Guardian Palaces, Chief Fang took full responsibility under his own name and refused to accept any contributions from us."

Yuan Jingjiang was filled with admiration, "Chief Fang is amazing! A real man, a true hero!"

The middle-aged man's expression turned solemn.

One person's funds!

Under one person's name!

Too amazing...

"If you want to organize this, it's easy. If a rich person from your Guardian Palace steps up, you can do the same." Yuan Jingjiang raised his eyebrows.

"Get lost!"

The middle-aged man became gloomy.

Where could we find such a wealthy person? Not to mention within the Guardian Palace itself.

Those guys spend their monthly salaries before the end of the month, always in need of resources and elixirs! They're all good-for-nothings!

"Sigh..."

Now truly understanding the situation, the middle-aged man realized that such a thing was genuinely impossible to replicate. Even if someone in the Guardian Palace had the money, they would also need to withstand the pressure from all directions, just like Fang Che.

This event continued until the moon rose high in the sky.

In the end, everyone received their share of gifts, resources, and medals. They walked out of the hall and into the courtyard.

Around the entire Cloud Continent Guardian Palace, countless fireworks shot up into the sky.

Bang, bang, bang...

Wave after wave of fireworks soared into the sky.

Turning the entire night sky into a colorful spectacle!

The fireworks display lasted for a full quarter of an hour. The night sky of the Cloud Continent was transformed into a mesmerizing rainbow.

Everyone looked up, their faces filled with wonder.

Fang Che leaped into the air and shouted loudly.

"Born as a Guardian Palace member!"

The crowd roared in unison, "Die as a Guardian Spirit of the Continent!"

"Never regret this life's battles!"

"Even in death, there is glory!"

Fang Che's voice thundered, "Ten thousand lights!"

All the Guardian Palace staff shouted together, "All on our shoulders!"

"Ten thousand lives and deaths!"

"All within us!"

Each shout shook the heavens and the earth, powerful and majestic. Amidst the iron-blooded cries, everyone felt their blood boiling. Their throats tightened, and tears welled up in their eyes.

Over ten thousand family members felt proud, fulfilled, honored, and their hearts were filled with emotion. They couldn't hold back their tears, and they all wept.

In the night sky, the dazzling fireworks continued to bloom. Each person seemed to see their family's hero, smiling brightly at them.

That smile, shining in the vast sky, was like an eternal starry river.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end