Chapter 404

The village appeared tranquil in the afterglow of the setting sun.

A few wisps of cooking smoke rose, and the air carried the scent of firewood.

Children's laughter and the sound of reading intertwined, adding vitality to the dusk.

Chen Wen and Qian Gui slowed their steps, like ordinary merchants, their eyes scanning the village entrance.

At the village entrance stood a large locust tree, under which a few villagers who had just finished labor gathered.

Several children were playing nearby.

Further away, in a somewhat dilapidated but tidy courtyard, clear reading voices could be heard.

Chen Wen's attention was drawn to that courtyard.

In his perception, the vibrant, lively "Fortune Momentum" point lay at the heart of the courtyard.

The unpleasant gray aura that coiled around that point also lurked in a corner of the village, coldly watching the courtyard.

"The target is there."

Chen Wen said in an extremely low voice, his gaze not directly toward the yard.

"That uncomfortable aura is also present, east of the village, near the crooked-neck tree."

Qian Gui glanced with the corner of his eye.

At the eastern end of the village stood a crooked-neck old locust tree; beneath it, a peddler in trader's garb leaned lazily against the trunk, his load beside him.

The peddler's gaze, intentionally or not, flicked toward the courtyard from which the reading voices came.

"I saw him, a peddler."

Qian Gui said softly, inwardly admiring the lord's perceptual ability even more.

Without being pointed out, he would not have noticed this person.

"Go take a look, but don't startle them."

Chen Wen said, walking toward the locust tree at the village entrance.

"Gentlemen, excuse the disturbance."

Qian Gui put on a friendly smile and stepped forward to chat with the villagers.

"We are passing merchants, selling needles, thread, and sundries; we're thirsty and would like a bowl of water."

He said, producing a coarse porcelain bowl and a packet of malt sugar.

"These sugar cubes are for the children to enjoy."

Seeing their courtesy and the gift, the villagers' wariness diminished greatly.

A somewhat older villager rose to his feet.

"Traveling is not easy; please sit awhile, I'll fetch water."

"Thank you, elder."

Qian Gui thanked him, distributed the sugar to the children, eliciting a cheer.

Chen Wen sat on the stone bench, appearing to casually observe, his focus fixed on the courtyard and the "peddler".

While the villager fetched water, Qian Gui chatted with the villagers.

"Elder, this village is quite peaceful; the children still have books to read, truly a fine place."

He deliberately steered the conversation toward that courtyard.

The villager's face showed a hint of pride.

"Yes, in our Kou Family Bay, the most learned is Mr. Kou."

"Mr. Kou?"

Qian Gui showed a curious expression.

"It's Mr. Kou who teaches in that courtyard over there."

The villager pointed to the courtyard.

"Mr. Kou is a successful candidate, knowledgeable and kind-hearted; he runs a primary school in the village, charging little tuition, so the children can learn a few characters."

"Ah, so he's a teacher; my apologies for the oversight."

Qian Gui offered praise, then seemed to recall something.

"Just now I heard the reading voices; it seemed there were even younger children?"

"Oh, that is Mr. Kou's own young master, named Zhun'er; though young, he is very clever!"

Speaking of this, the villager became more talkative, boasting.

"Don't let his young age fool you—he can recite the Analects and the Thousand Character Classic, passages many older children haven't memorized, and he does so fluently!"

"Sometimes when Mr. Kou tests the older children's knowledge, he listens from the side and can interject a few remarks, speaking with full understanding!"

"Everyone in the village says the Kou family will produce a literary star!"

Qian Gui felt a stir inside, but kept his composure, smiling and agreeing.

"Ah, that's truly remarkable! Such intelligence at such a young age guarantees a bright future!"

Chen Wen listened quietly, his heart certain.

The "Fortune Momentum" point he sensed was precisely this young child named Kou Zhun.

And the "Nether Shadow" dispatched by the Iron Crow Army had already lurked nearby.

The villager fetching water returned, holding two bowls of cool well water.

Chen Wen and Qian Gui thanked him, took the bowls, and drank slowly.

At that moment, the courtyard gate creaked open.

A middle-aged scholar in a faded long robe, with a gaunt face, led out seven or eight students of varying ages.

It must be Mr. Kou.

After the schoolchildren bowed, they laughed and ran off.

Mr. Kou stood at the doorway, watching the children leave.

Immediately after, a boy about five or six, wearing a clean cotton short jacket, ran out and tugged at Mr. Kou's robe.

The boy had delicate eyebrows and bright eyes, revealing a cleverness far beyond his peers.

He looked up and asked his father.

Mr. Kou bent down, patiently answering, his face filled with affection and pride.

Even from a distance, Chen Wen could sense the boy's unusual "aura".

It was the fearless vigor of a newborn calf, a thirst for knowledge, and edges not yet worn smooth.

It is precisely this quality that lets him shine in this oppressive world, and also draws the scrutiny of the Iron Crow Army.

Chen Wen and Qian Gui's gazes briefly met, understanding each other's meaning—this is the child.

At the same time, Chen Wen noticed that when Kou Zhun appeared, the peddler's lazy gaze at the east end of the village instantly sharpened, though he quickly concealed it, it did not escape his perception.

That dim aura also fluctuated accordingly.

Thanks for the water, brothers.

Seeing the time was right, Qian Gui rose to take his leave, returning the bowl.

It's getting late; we still need to press on to find lodging, so we won't disturb you further.

You're welcome; take care.

The villagers waved simply.

Chen Wen and Qian Gui thanked them again, shouldered their packs, and walked unhurriedly toward the village outskirts.

After walking a distance from the village, turning over the hill, and confirming no one was following, they then stopped.

My Lord, confirmed: the target is Kou Zhun, about five or six years old, exceptionally talented, his father being the village's private tutor.

Qian Gui reported swiftly.

The Iron Crow Army's hidden sentry, disguised as a peddler, watches from the east end of the village, showing a clear reaction to Kou Zhun's appearance.

Chen Wen nodded, his gaze calm.

This child indeed possesses something extraordinary; his 'light' is pure and sharp, no wonder the Iron Crow Army regards him as a 'variable' needing monitoring.

He recalled that wisp of dim aura.

That 'peddler' is probably not merely observing.

If I am not mistaken, the Iron Crow Army may be waiting for an opportunity; once they deem this child's growth exceeds what the 'script' allows, they will 'correct' him.

Qian Gui's expression tightened.

Does your lordship mean they might act against this child?

It is highly likely.

Chen Wen gazed toward the village, his eyes deep.

Maintaining the historical course, eliminating unstable factors, is the Iron Crow Army's duty.

For someone like Kou Zhun, who bears great destiny and may influence crucial future developments, they will certainly not stand by.

Current surveillance is merely the calm before the storm.

The sun sank below the horizon, dusk fell, and the village lights flickered on.

That clever youngster, perhaps reciting poetry under his father's guidance, is unaware that he is being watched by two worlds.

One side wishes to nip him in the bud;

the other wishes to protect his healthy growth.

What should we do?

Qian Gui asked in a low voice, the night masking his solemn expression.

Chen Wen fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, his voice clear across the quiet fields.

Having come, we cannot return empty-handed.

If the Iron Crow Army intends mischief, how can we stand by?

Tonight, we will first cut away this first calamity for the sake of that future pillar.