EBE Chapter 62 Guarding
Chapter 62 Guarding
In Sujia Village, Fengdang County, sunlight, like scattered gold, penetrates the swaying shadows of the trees and dapples the bluestone path. A gentle breeze, carrying the freshness and coolness of the mountains, lightly caresses every inch of the land, yet it seems unable to soothe the turmoil in Xiaoyueling's heart.
Xiaoyue stood quietly in front of that familiar courtyard, her heart filled with mixed emotions, as if she were tightly enveloped by an invisible gloom.
Since Yun Dan disappeared, whether it was the first light of dawn or the last of night, an inescapable unease and anxiety clung to her heart like an invisible thread, making it difficult for her to let go.
"Xiaoyue, are you still worried about Xiaoya?"
At this moment, Yang Hualing's gentle voice rang out. She was holding a bowl of steaming, fragrant soup, her eyes filled with concern and worry.
She looked at Xiaoyue's eyes, which once sparkled with a bright and lively light but were now blurred with tears, and felt a pang of heartache.
"Sister Yang, it's been half a year already, Xiaoya..." Xiaoyue's voice trembled, as if every word carried a heavy burden.
Yang Hualing gently put down the soup bowl in her hand, slowly walked closer, and hugged Xiaoyue tightly, trying to use her warmth to dispel the gloom in her heart.
"Sister Yang knows, Sister Yang knows how heartbroken you are. But it's not your fault. Who could have predicted that Xiaoya would leave so quietly for so long?"
Xiaoyue finally couldn't hold back anymore, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam, crying her heart out.
Yang Hualing held her tightly, using all her strength to comfort and persuade her, trying to calm her down.
At this moment, the other children heard Xiaoyue crying and ran over.
The older children remained relatively calm, but the younger children also started crying, and the scene became somewhat chaotic for a moment.
Everyone was talking at once, saying that Xiaoya might never come back, which resulted in the older children having to comfort the younger ones.
"Alright, alright, you can all go home now. Stop causing trouble here." Yang Hualing had no choice but to issue the order to leave.
After the children had all left, she looked at Xiaoyue again and said in a firm yet gentle tone.
"Xiaoyue, you have to be strong. You're almost 14 years old."
Xiaoya teaches you martial arts in the hope that you will become stronger in the future, and be able to think calmly when you encounter problems, instead of overthinking.
Moreover, as I told you, as long as we don't get definite news about Xiaoya, she might still be alive.
Therefore, if one day you truly learn Xiaoya's whereabouts, whether it's good or bad, you must diligently master the Linglong Divine Skill and find the murderer to avenge Xiaoya.
As Xiaoyue listened to Yang Hualing's words, she slowly raised her head, her eyes sparkling with a different kind of light.
Yang Hualing knew that she had taken it to heart, but at the same time she was worried that she might go to extremes because of this obsession.
"Xiaoyue, listen to what Sister Yang said: if we have a grudge, we should take revenge, but remember not to over-train in martial arts."
Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable. At best, it would sever all your meridians; at worst, it would lead to qi deviation and death. Do you understand?" Yang Hualing said earnestly.
“I understand, Sister Yang. Xiaoya also told us the same thing.” Xiaoyue nodded obediently.
Hearing Xiaoyue say this, Yang Hualing finally breathed a sigh of relief. She knew that martial arts training required following a set procedure, and there were no shortcuts.
So she continued, "Xiaoyue, Sister Yang needs to leave for a while, so you all need to pay close attention to the safety of the villagers. If you find anyone suspicious, you must think twice before you act."
"Sister Yang, where are you going? How long will it take you to come back?" Xiaoyue asked with concern.
"It could take as little as a month, or as long as two or three months."
But don't worry, Sister Yang won't be in any danger this time. I'll be right back after I've finished my business."
Yang Hualing said with a smile, but there was a hint of bitterness in her smile.
Xiaoyue was stunned when she heard the news. She murmured to herself, "Ah... Sister Yang, you're going to be gone for so long? Three months... What are we going to do during this time?"
"I will try my best to speed up and get back as soon as possible," Yang Hualing comforted her.
She paused slightly, her gaze becoming firm and profound: "I went out this time to look for clues about Xiaoya."
I'll come back and tell you as soon as I get a clue.
Even if I find no clues, I will be back within three months at the latest.
Xiaoyue lowered her head silently, her heart filled with worry and reluctance.
She knew that Sister Yang was a loyal and affectionate person, and she was willing to do anything to find clues about Xiao Ya.
"But wouldn't it be too dangerous for you to go alone? Why don't I go with you?"
Xiaoyue suddenly raised her head and looked at Yang Hualing with a determined gaze.
“No.” Yang Hualing shook her head without hesitation.
“If you all leave, who will protect the villagers? How can we guarantee the safety of your parents? This place needs someone to guard it.”
Xiaoyue bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes.
She knew that what Sister Yang said was an indisputable fact, but deep down, her longing for companionship remained burning.
How she wished she could fight alongside Sister Yang and face the unknown challenges and storms together.
Over the past six months, many traces that were once left behind have gradually disappeared under the erosion of wind and rain, as if they had been ruthlessly erased by the years.
For this reason, Yang Hualing felt it was necessary to personally return to the Illusionary Spirit Garden to discuss with the Empress face-to-face the major decision concerning the future of Sujia Village—whether to continue to hold on to this land or to lead the villagers on a migration journey.
Although the traces of daily practice in the valley have been erased by the forces of nature, caution is still necessary.
She knew that any small oversight could have irreversible consequences.
Therefore, for the safety of Sujia Village, she decided to personally consult the Empress to seek the best countermeasure.
The next morning, Yang Hualing, carrying her luggage, embarked on her journey to the Illusionary Spirit Garden.
She carefully entrusted the affairs of Sujia Village to Xiaoyue and repeatedly instructed them to remain vigilant at all times to ensure the safety of the villagers.
Along the way, she rode her horse at breakneck speed through the mountains and forests.
After more than half a month of arduous travel, she finally arrived at the gate of the Illusionary Spirit Garden.
The guard at the gate recognized her at a glance and politely let her through.
Yang Hualing hurried towards the Empress's bedchamber. After being announced by a guard, she was allowed to enter the room, which was filled with an aura of majesty and mystery.
The Empress sat quietly by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, as if pondering some profound question.
After entering the room, Yang Hualing knelt on one knee and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty. I have an urgent matter to report."
The Empress tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowed, and asked, "Hua Lingxing, why are you back? What about Su Family Village?"
Yang Hualing explained, "Your Majesty, I have instructed them to be extra vigilant. I have returned to consult you on our next steps."
The Empress's voice carried a hint of displeasure: "What? Can't we send a message by carrier pigeon? Do you have to come back in person?"
Yang Hualing lowered her head and said sincerely, "Your Majesty, I am indeed very worried. This matter concerns the safety of Sujia Village, and I dare not be careless in the slightest."
Upon hearing this, the Empress frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Speak, what exactly happened?"
Yang Hualing elaborated on the fact that Xiaoya had been missing for half a year, the clues had gone cold, and her worries about the shadowy figure possibly making a comeback.
She emphasized, "My subordinates are worried that the dark figure will return with people, which may pose a threat to the villagers of Sujia Village."
The Empress fell into deep thought, and after a moment said, "Then what do you think we should do?"
Yang Hualing offered her suggestion: "I believe we should relocate the villagers of Sujia Village as soon as possible to avoid harming them."
However, the Empress shook her head and sighed, "Alas... it's not that I don't want to relocate, but both the Gu Xuan Dynasty and the Qin Kingdom are eyeing my Ling Kingdom covetously. If we suddenly relocate the villagers, I'm afraid it will give them an excuse to attack."
Upon hearing this, Yang Hualing became even more worried, fearing that the villagers near Sujia Village would also be implicated.
She mustered her courage and said, "Your Majesty, if the villages near Sujia Village are not relocated, I am worried that the people of Sujia Village will be implicated because of this."
The Empress was well aware of the complex situation: internally, the fourth prince coveted the throne, while externally, the Gu Xuan Dynasty and the Qin State were eager to make moves.
She sighed helplessly and said, "Fine, fine. Go and relocate the villages near Sujia Village to Xingping County. At the same time, have the magistrate of Fengyuan County strengthen patrols in the surrounding areas."
Yang Hualing felt somewhat relieved upon hearing this. She respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Empress added, "Hua Lingxing, when you return, take ten more experts at the Middle Harmony Realm to help. Make sure to protect the safety of the villagers."
Yang Hualing replied, "Yes, Your subordinate obeys."
"Yes, go and do it quickly." The Empress waved her hand.
"Your subordinate takes his leave. May Your Majesty be well." Yang Hualing bowed and left the room.
After a long and tiring journey, Yang Hualing felt physically and mentally exhausted.
She decided to rest for one night and recover her strength before starting to arrange related matters.
Unexpectedly, this busy period lasted for more than a month.
That morning, after finishing breakfast, Yang Hualing led ten experts at the Middle Harmony Realm back to Sujia Village at full speed.
Aside from eating and sleeping, they dared not waste any time along the way.
Yang Hualing's heart was filled with longing for her relatives in Sujia Village and worry about her future safety.
She only hoped to return to Sujia Village as soon as possible, arrange everything, and ensure the safety of the villagers.