Chapter 95: Differences (1)
Dong Xian watched as Ling Yong's two followers opened the door for him, feeling a bit strange. While they seemed more mature and calm than their group, they lacked the seriousness they had now. Not only was their seriousness evident, but their eyes shone with a strange, resolute light, as if they had been entrusted with some noble mission.
However, he only glanced at it and lowered his head before walking in. It was more important for him to understand why the village chief had summoned him today.
The village chief's mud house was already the largest in the village, but even with twelve people crammed in, it was still packed. Furthermore, once Dong Xian entered, he could only barely stand near the door. The heavy door, tightly shut behind him, blew a gust of wind that straightened his back. He took in this last breath of fresh air and slowly began to feel oppressed.
Of the twelve people, six were standing and six were sitting. The old village chief sat at the head, and Luo Xuanyi sat slightly behind him. They looked Dong Xian up and down, as if evaluating something.
"Brother Xian, what do you think about moving away from the village?"
The old village chief's voice was trembling, carrying an air of old age and decay, blending perfectly with the darkness in the room.
Dong Xian's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized that the old village chief didn't seem to agree with leaving. But why?
This is what they have been working towards for hundreds of years. Countless warriors have sacrificed their lives for this, and the burial ground occupies nearly one-third of the village. Yet they are going to give up right here, when it is within their reach?
After closing his eyes and thinking carefully, he decided to express his true thoughts: "I think it's still too risky. Since we still don't know what the outside world is like and whether we can adapt to it, I think the best option is for some of us to go out first and some to stay."
Some of the elders in the room nodded, seemingly pleased with his statement, but most remained frowning, watching the conversation from the sidelines. The old village chief didn't mention his proposal, but he was very supportive of his attitude. "I know you're a good boy, and you're thinking about the village. Can you keep our conversation a secret?"
Dong Xian nodded. The old village chief sat on a chair, his hands folded on his cane, and slowly began to tell him the full story of the situation outside that Luo Xuanyi had described. Luo Xuanyi, looking worried, seemed to want to interject, but ultimately remained silent.
"...That's it. I've discussed this with the other elders. The situation outside is too unfavorable for us. Although Fellow Daoist Yi sincerely wants to help us, she also said that there are only a handful of people outside who share her ideals, and they are simply unable to compete with the overall situation."
"We're well prepared and can definitely conceal your whereabouts." Luo Xuanyi finally interjected, her tone somewhat panicked. "Even after hundreds of years, the descendants of King Liu and King Heng are still able to rally and revolt. This speaks volumes. Not only can we hide you, we also possess the power. Although we appear weak now, a little bit of sand can build a tower, and accumulated soil can become a mountain. Besides, reviving the dynasty should be our top priority!"
"With the support of Emperor Gaozu's descendants, those who obey the dynasty in the common people will surely respond in droves! Even if only a portion of them are allowed to do so, as Dong Xian said, it would be fine."
"Friend Yi, we've already said this." The old village chief looked at Luo Xuanyi with pity and apology in his eyes. "Your formation can connect with the outside world. Once successful, it will leave a trace of our presence. The outside world is searching so closely that they will eventually find us."
"This is extremely dangerous for us. After all, we are not cultivators like you. We are simply helpless in the face of other cultivators. Even if we leave, we will be at their mercy. Of course, you won't force us, but what about others?"
"For us, the continuation of our clan is more important. We do want to revive the dynasty, but not now."
Luo Xuanyi looked somewhat unwilling to be rejected, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she turned to look at Dong Xian. Her gaze was too direct, and in a trance, it seemed as if a knife had actually pierced his body. His stomach suddenly began to twitch. But there was no wound, and there couldn't be any wound. It was just a stomachache caused by his excessive nervousness. Dong Xian lowered his eyelids to avoid her gaze and began to consider the amount of information contained in this conversation.
He had always been somewhat negative. To be honest, he didn't really trust Luo Xuanyi, but he was always the minority, the ignored one. He felt his opinions were insignificant and unnecessary to express. Perhaps everyone would be right?
But after hearing these words, a little bit of the darkness he'd usually suppressed slowly emerged from his heart. My intuition was right. He was actually a little happy, but this was not the time to be happy. He quickly suppressed his overflowing emotions and continued to listen to the old village chief's speech.
The old village chief let out a breath. "Brother Xian, you heard everything we just said. We may be a bunch of stubborn people, but staying together is the best option for the village. What do you think?"
Dong Xian finally nodded. "Yes, but most of the village won't agree. They're all very happy and have been preparing for this for a long time. Furthermore, two days ago, the warriors were almost wiped out while trying to find a way out. They all believe that the warriors' spirits brought Fellow Daoist Yi here to fulfill a century-old wish."
"That's why we're looking for children like you." The old village chief relaxed a little, leaning back in his chair, a little tired. "The formation will be completed the day after tomorrow, so we, an old man, have decided to announce this decision tomorrow. Of course, children like Zhu Jie'er and Qi Ge'er will definitely not accept it. That's why we've talked to you and other children like you in advance - I hope you can help to moderate their emotions. They're too fanatical."
"If we talk to them, they'll think we're old and afraid of change. You're our peers, so it's better for you to talk to them. Don't lecture them or argue. We're all thinking about the village. Just make sure you understand."
"This is something only calm children like you can do. For the survival of the village."
Only. This word has never been used on Dong Xian.
He had an older brother who was incredibly talented. While not particularly intelligent, he was physically strong and possessed a strong leadership charisma. Having just turned 100, he was chosen as a hero, and everyone believed he would be the next leader.
Then came the birth of a beautiful and intelligent younger sister. With her bright mind and pleasing personality and appearance, the old village chief adored her and indulged her in his study. Spending years with the old chief gave her many opportunities and experience in handling affairs, and she became increasingly skilled, eventually being chosen as the next village chief.
Dong Xian lacked a particularly strong physique, possessing only ordinary looks and an overly taciturn personality, which meant he never had a chance to express himself. The brilliance of his brother and sister only made him seem even more obscure. He barely had a presence in the crowd, and even his strong execution and brilliant mind were unable to shine.
But today, he received his first special mission, and he firmly believed that this mission was the right path.
He had no idea that his thoughts were being eroded by the soul wound quietly inflicted by Luo Xuanyi. He combined the view of achieving his goals by any means necessary with his own personality and began to brew a fruit that leaned towards paranoia.
"I will do it."
He promised, a determined glint in his eyes.
Second update~ The boring happy time is finally about to start
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