The people in the mountains had no worries about food and drink, and lived a very comfortable life. Apart from the lack of communication with the outside world, which made them a little bored, they were perfectly fine in every other way.

They were all used to this kind of life, so they naturally didn't find it difficult to adapt. Years of famine were much harder to endure.

After discussing it, the two went their separate ways to rest. They decided to go to bed early tonight, as they would be busy tomorrow.

The next day, perhaps because he was not used to being away from home, or perhaps because he was worried about his wife and children at home, Lu Chuan did not sleep well all night. He was in a daze and could not fall into a deep sleep, so he got up before dawn.

The Taoist priest did the same. Hearing noises from the next room, he got up and dressed. Since he couldn't sleep anyway, he might as well get up.

Lu Chuan ordered breakfast at the inn, and the two of them ate a quick bite before leaving the inn just as dawn broke.

Lu Chuan first went to the post station to see if Uncle Zhang and Manager Li had sent any letters, and also wrote to them to tell them that he would not be going down the mountain for a while.

The Taoist priest continued to stroll around the county town, buying some things along the way.

When Lu Chuan arrived at the post station, he indeed received letters from the two men, the latest of which was three days prior.

Lu Chuan took the letters and opened them all, starting with the first one. The letter was full of concern for Lu Chuan and Xu Han, and also suggested that the two of them go to the south to seek refuge.

Lu Chuan wasn't surprised by their suggestion, as he knew their character to some extent; they were good people, which was why they later became close friends.

In addition, Lu Chuan and Xu Han had helped both families during the famine years, so when they saw this suggestion, they did not think it was a false or polite remark.

After reading the first letter, Lu Chuan opened the following letters and read them. The words were mostly the same, all urging Xu Han and Lu Chuan to go south to seek refuge.

Lu Chuan could sense the anxiety and sincerity of the two from their letters, because the later letters were written very close together, and it was obvious that the time interval between the letters was getting shorter and shorter, and the tone was becoming more and more urgent.

After reading all the letters, Lu Chuan asked the innkeeper for stationery and a brush, and began to write a reply.

In the letter, Lu Chuan clearly stated that he did not intend to seek refuge in the south. He also thanked the two for their kindness and told them that he and Xu Han were currently safe and that they did not need to worry.

Finally, I informed them that the situation here was not good, and that I might not be able to communicate with them for a long time to come, and asked for their understanding.

Once the situation stabilizes, I will take the initiative to contact them.

After Lu Chuan finished writing all the replies to the two of them, he went to meet up with the Taoist priest.

At this time, the Taoist priest had also bought a lot of things and was waiting for Lu Chuan at the entrance of the county town.

Upon seeing this, Lu Chuan quickly took the basket from his master and carried it himself.

The Taoist priest snorted coldly, "Hmph, at least you still have a conscience."

Lu Chuan said with a fawning smile, "Look at what Master said, of course I won't let you do this strenuous work."

"Come on, you're being disdainful." The Taoist priest said with a look of disgust, then urged, "Hurry up and go, or we'll have to travel in the dark again."

"Okay, coming right away."

When the two arrived home, Xu Han was preparing dinner. When the two little ones saw the Taoist priest and his father returning with baskets on their backs, they rushed over immediately.

Mu'er spoke first, "Did Father buy us any sweet pastries?"

Ze'er also looked at the two of them with anticipation.

Lu Chuan put down his basket. "Your father doesn't know this. Today's things were bought by the Taoist priest. You can ask him."

By saying this, Lu Chuan completely absolved himself of any responsibility. If the Taoist priest had been careless and hadn't bought it, the two little ones wouldn't have made a fuss about him.

Upon hearing this, the Taoist priest rolled his eyes at Lu Chuan, barely suppressing the urge to kick him, and then smiled at the two children, saying, "Of course, Grandpa Taoist priest wouldn't forget to buy you two pastries. Not only did Grandpa buy them, but he bought a lot."

After the Taoist priest finished speaking, he went to rummage through his basket to find food for the two children.

Grandpa Zhao spoke up at the opportune moment, "Dinner is almost here, so each person can only have one piece. Have your mother put the rest away and eat them later when you want."

The two children readily agreed and thanked the Taoist priest.

Seeing how happy the two children were, the Taoist priest raised an eyebrow and proudly showed off to Lu Chuan.

Lu Chuan ignored him, thinking to himself that it was childish. He turned around and went to the kitchen to help Xu Han prepare dinner.

In the kitchen, Lu Chuan recounted how Uncle Zhang and Manager Li had invited the two of them to seek refuge in the south, and also told Xu Han about his reply.

Xu Han said, "Uncle Zhang and Manager Li are both good people. It's rare that they still remember us after all these years. If we have the chance in the future, let's go and visit them."

"Yes, in these years of disaster and chaos, such kindness is truly rare. Although we did not go to seek refuge with them, we must not forget them in the future. As human beings, we must know how to repay kindness."

Xu Han nodded in agreement, saying, "That's true. Even though we didn't go, we still have to accept their kindness. It was right of you to refuse them; we're safe here in these deep mountains, there's no need to make a fuss."

"Okay, the food is ready. I'll go call them to eat."

After the family finished their lively dinner, Xu Han and Grandpa Zhao couldn't help but ask about the situation down the mountain.

Lu Chuan gave a brief explanation, recounting what he had seen and adding his own analysis.

After Lu Chuan finished speaking, the Taoist priest said, "Back in the county town, Xiao Chuan and I discussed it, and we think that we shouldn't go down the mountain unless absolutely necessary. What do you think?"

Grandpa Zhao agreed with the suggestion, and Xu Han had no objections.

Given the current situation, staying put in the mountains is the most suitable option for everyone.

We've already gotten through several years, so what's another six months or a year?

It wasn't that they were afraid or anything, since Lu Chuan and the Taoist priest were quite powerful!

Everyone simply felt it was unnecessary and didn't want to cause trouble for themselves.

In this situation, it's better to stay calm and peaceful. It's better to avoid trouble and just live a quiet life in the mountains.

However, even though we're not going down the mountain, we still need to keep an eye on the situation down there. We can't wait until the enemy is at our doorstep and we haven't taken any protective measures.

Xu Han spoke up after thinking about this, and the Taoist priest said, "That's for sure. I'm good at light footwork, so I can go down the mountain for a stroll whenever I have time, as long as I don't show myself."

When the Taoist priest and Lu Chuan talked about keeping a low profile, it didn't mean they completely ignored outside news or didn't inquire about the situation down the mountain; it simply meant they didn't show themselves in front of the world.