Sunset Peak.

A large number of refugees gathered at the foot of the mountain.

The local people were kind-hearted and not only gave the refugees food, but also warm clothes.

The younger generation of Jinghu Academy were cooking porridge in the porridge shop, while others were taking care of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled.

The younger generation was obedient and sensible, and Zhao Qing'er watched their busy figures with a gratified smile on her face.

Wu Shashen was roasting a wild boar by the river. He had just caught it while hunting in the mountains. The refugees around him were constantly swallowing their saliva. They had long since run out of their dry rations and had not eaten for several days, let alone meat.

A young girl in a red dress brought over several baskets of fruit. With a smile in her eyes, she said in a clear voice, "These fruits were all picked by me in the mountains. They are very fresh. Please help yourselves."

"Thank you, little fairy."

The surrounding refugees bowed in gratitude.

The little dumpling raised its smiling face and said proudly, "My name is Little Dumpling. I am the Great Protector of Longhu Temple. All the mountain spirits and water monsters in Ziyun Mountain Range know me. Mountain gods and local deities are my friends. If you encounter any trouble, you can call my name."

"Yes, yes, thank you, Great Protector!"

Some elderly people were moved to tears, as they not only had food here, but also felt the warmth of home.

Deep in the mountains, a young man in simple clothes led refugees to Sunset Peak.

Many refugees crossed the Ziyun Mountains, but fortunately, the mountain gods and land gods bestowed by Qin Luo were spread throughout the mountains, so these people were able to reach the vicinity of Longhu Temple smoothly.

The young man was tall and slender. He carried the elderly man on his back and walked through the rugged mountains as if it were flat ground.

The old man's eyes were full of gratitude. "Young man, I'm so sorry to have troubled you. Don't you even know how to address me?"

"Just call me Stone."

Stone's eyes were clear. He smiled and said, "Old man, the peak ahead is Luoxia Peak. The Dragon Tiger Temple on the mountain is inhabited by a Taoist master with extraordinary powers. He will protect everyone."

The refugees saw hope.

Dong Jisheng carried two large bundles of firewood to the porridge shop at the foot of the mountain. He was now upright, with bright eyes and a radiant appearance, and looked to be only about fifty years old.

When Zhao Qing'er saw Dong Jisheng carrying so much firewood, she brought over a stool and smiled, "Uncle, come and rest for a while. I'll go pour you some tea."

Hearing Zhao Qing'er call him "uncle," Dong Jisheng couldn't help but chuckle. He shook his head with a smile, "No need to trouble yourself. There are still many abandoned houses in my village. Some of them can be cleaned up and still be habitable. They should be able to accommodate many refugees."

In earlier years, the environment in the Ziyun Mountains was harsh, and many villagers moved out, leaving many houses abandoned.

"That's a good idea."

"Uncle, thank you for your help."

"It's all what I should do."

Qin Luo helped Dong Jisheng in the past, and now that he has the ability, he also wants to help those in need.

Upon seeing Ziyue, who had just descended the mountain, Dong Jisheng bowed respectfully and asked, "Little Fairy, has Immortal Master Qin returned yet?"

Over the years, Dong Jisheng frequently visited Longhu Temple but never saw Qin Luo. He had wanted to thank him properly but never had the chance.

Zi Yue pursed her lips and chuckled softly, "Elder Dong, my senior brother hasn't returned yet."

Dong Jisheng chuckled and joked, "It seems that if I want to see Immortal Master Qin, this old man will have to live a long and healthy life."

"Elder Dong, I'll go to the city to buy some grain first. We'll visit you when my senior brother returns."

"No, no need."

Dong Jisheng waved his hand repeatedly.

Ziyue ran away in the blink of an eye.

Those whom Qin Luo had helped are now helping others: Chen Xingzhou is steaming wild vegetable dumplings, Lao Gao is cooking noodles, Linglong is grilling fish…

The foot of Luoxia Peak was filled with laughter and joy.

In the north, in Yanbei City.

Standing on the city wall, the Prince of Zhenbei looked at the refugees pouring into the city and frowned, saying, "I don't know what the Empress was thinking, actually asking us to accept refugees from Chu. These refugees can't help us fight."

Wang Chongming stood beside the Prince of Zhenbei and said in a deep voice, "The late emperor created a prosperous era with military force. In the ten years since the Empress ascended the throne, she has not launched a single war and has been vigorously developing agriculture. Now, the most abundant thing in the Great Xia territory is grain. Taking in these refugees from Chu is not a problem. It does not violate the agreement with Chu, and it can also use the Great Zhen Dynasty to destroy Chu. It can also win over the hearts of the people of Chu and prepare for conquering Chu in the future. The Empress has thought it through very carefully."

The Prince of Zhenbei said coldly, "I think she is far inferior to the late emperor. When the late emperor was alive, he could still intimidate the heroes of Zhongzhou. Now the Dazhen Dynasty dares to march south. I only hope that the Chu Kingdom can hold on, otherwise we will be the ones who suffer."

Wang Chongming chuckled and said, "Your Highness, I just received news that the Princess of Chu is Zhang Fulong's disciple. I think Longhu Temple will make a move."

The Prince of Zhenbei widened his eyes and said jokingly, "It seems that the Great Zhen Dynasty has kicked a hornet's nest this time. Let's wait and see what happens."

In Yanbei City, in Jiwei Lane, a remote area, refugee camps were set up nearby.

In the old house at the deepest part of the alley, a little boy said in a childish voice, "Uncle, uncle, I want to eat candied hawthorn."

In the courtyard, Lü Xiaobao held the little boy and raised an eyebrow with a smile, saying, "Okay, Uncle will buy it for you."

"Xiao Bao, don't spoil him."

Lu Ajiao came out of the kitchen carrying a basket of steamed buns, intending to deliver them to the people in the refugee camp.

Ten years have passed. Lü Ajiao is now married with children. Her husband sells steamed buns in a small shop on the street. The couple usually sells steamed buns in the city. She hasn't performed on the street for many years.

......

The State of Chu, Jinmen Pass.

Under the setting sun, the pass resembles a golden gateway.

A group of refugees fled through Jinmen Pass toward Yanbei County. Along the way, there were oxcarts, horse-drawn carriages, and donkey carts, their wheels clanging. A group of bodyguards protected these people.

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