Chapter 62: The Reason for Studying

"That's right, Village Chief, it's the Divine Cat Hero looking for you!"

Xiaocao nodded.

Cheng Yong subconsciously wanted to refute it; the deeds done by Hei Mao Bu Tou during this period deserved the title 'Divine Cat Hero', but if anyone said the Divine Cat Hero was looking for him, he wouldn't believe it.

First, he has no relationship with Hei Mao Bu Tou, never even made contact, so how could Hei Mao Bu Tou inexplicably seek him out?

Second, even if Hei Mao Bu Tou were a Divine Cat Constable, it is still a cat; no matter how clever, it cannot speak, so how could it let Xiaocao know it is looking for him?

That's completely baseless…

"No…"

However, just as Cheng Yong's words reached his lips, he saw Hei Mao Bu Tou beside Xiaocao bob its head vigorously, as if confirming that Xiaocao's claim was true—it had come for him—so Cheng Yong was startled, his face full of panic.

He wondered whether Hei Mao Bu Tou was a monster; otherwise how could it be so clever?

But.

Then he thought, the Divine Cat Hero's earliest title was 'Spirit Cat', given by Xuanqing Daozhang, a junior Daoist of Xuanqing Temple; Xuanqing Daozhang had also visited the Wang Family. If the Divine Cat Hero were a monster, Xuanqing Daozhang couldn't have missed it.

Cheng Yong forced his inner restlessness down; although still shocked that Hei Mao Bu Tou could understand human speech, he stopped doubting that Hei Mao Bu Tou was a monster and said, "Divine Cat Hero, I don't know what business you have in seeking this old man?"

The moment he finished speaking, Hei Mao Bu Tou turned to leave. Cheng Yong's bewildered expression deepened; clearly the other party had business with him, so why did Hei Mao Bu Tou turn and walk away after he asked the reason?

Xiaocao translated, "Village Chief, the Divine Cat Hero means you should go with it!"

"Go with it?"

When Cheng Yong doubted whether Xiaocao's translation was correct, the Hei Mao Bu Tou that had turned to leave suddenly halted, nodded at Cheng Yong again, as if confirming that Xiaocao's translation was right.

"Xiaocao, how did you know the Divine Cat Hero wants me to go with it?"

Cheng Yong couldn't help asking, curious how Xiaocao could understand Hei Mao Bu Tou so well, yet still followed Hei Mao Bu Tou.

He wasn't worried that Hei Mao Bu Tou would harm him!

Xiaocao chuckled, his face full of pride, saying proudly, "Village Chief, the Divine Cat Hero is my lifesaver; I understand its mind perfectly. No one in the whole Hutou Gou knows it better than I do!"

"Ding! Your pet Black Cat Catch Head has earned Xiaocao's heartfelt worship. Congratulations, your pet Black Cat Catch Head receives a reward: Physique+1!"

A mechanical, cold voice rang in his mind; Wang Ping'an was a bit surprised, but not too shocked.

For someone as young as Xiaocao, not to mention that their family's Hei Mao Bu Tou had saved her life, and did so twice.

Even if it were just their family's Hei Mao Bu Tou showing extraordinary skill, it would earn Xiaocao's and even her children's admiration.

Nevertheless, he was quite pleased with Xiaocao; although young, she repaid the lifesaving debt to their family's Hei Mao Bu Tou with gratitude, something not everyone can do.

And Xiaocao is still so young!

Cheng Yong opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but the words swallowed themselves. He knew that in Xiaocao's mind, Hei Mao Bu Tou was likely a beam of light in her heart.

A lifesaving debt cannot be easily forgotten.

Cheng Yong corrected himself, "Xiaocao, it's getting late. You still have class this afternoon; if you don't go home for a meal, you'll be low on energy in class—watch out that Scholar Gong doesn't slap your palm!"

"Teacher!"

Xiaocao's face was full of lingering fear; although he had only just started school, Scholar Gong Guo Xuesong's stern visage was deeply etched in his mind. Yet, catching a glimpse of the departing Hei Mao Bu Tou, he gritted his teeth and said:

"Village Chief, I want to see what good deeds the Divine Cat Hero has done; it's still early, I can run back for a meal later without being late!"

Cheng Yong was about to refuse, but seeing Xiaocao's earnest expression, the words at his lips vanished, and he changed his tone:

"Going together is fine, but you must agree to a condition from the Village Chief!"

"Village Chief, tell me. Not just one condition— even ten, I will accept!"

Xiaocao said impatiently. Cheng Yong asked, "From now on, when you're with Scholar Gong, can you study diligently and answer the Village Chief?"

"No problem, even if you don't say anything, Village Chief, I will definitely study hard!"

Xiaocao said with a smiling face.

Cheng Yong no longer stopped Xiaocao's following, and while staying behind Hei Mao Bu Tou, he asked:

"Xiaocao, could you explain to the Village Chief why you want to study? Don't you know studying is a hard thing?"

"Because I want to be like the teacher, so no one dares to bully me!"

Cheng Yong's expression dropped, and he said no more.

Given Xiaocao's situation, how could he not know? He hadn't failed to stand up for her, but such childhood fights require her own effort and help from other kids at home.

Otherwise.

Even if he ran to other families and told the parents over and over, it would only work for a day or two at most.

This novel you…

Who makes children remember meals but forget beatings, and as parents they are reluctant to actually punish.

Soon after, Cheng Yong settled his tangled emotions, exhaled a heavy breath of foul air, and said seriously, "Xiaocao, as long as you study properly with Scholar Gong, I promise that no one will ever dare to bully you again!"

"Village Chief, I will!"

Xiaocao said happily.

After a long while, Cheng Yong, guided by Hei Mao Bu Tou, left Hutou Gou, walking along a secluded path. He glanced at Xiaocao beside him, then at the Hei Mao Bu Tou leading ahead.

Finally, he looked once more at the sparsely populated path around them!

Cheng Yong couldn't help swallowing and said, "The Divine Cat Hero wouldn't intend to lure us into a desolate wilderness and endanger our lives, would he?"

Xiaocao retorted angrily, "Village Chief, don't speak carelessly. The Divine Cat Hero saved my life; no matter what, it would never harm me or your life!"

Cheng Yong took a deep breath, his face instantly turning extremely solemn.

If he hadn't known that the Divine Cat Hero was declared a Spirit Cat by Xuanqing Temple.

If he hadn't known the Divine Cat Hero owed Xiaocao a lifesaving debt.

He would, under any circumstance, not take Xiaocao along this deserted path with the Divine Cat Hero!

Now…

He can only accept it as it is.

He actually wanted to see where the Divine Cat Hero would take him.

After a long while, Cheng Yong's old legs were about to give out from walking, and the Hei Mao Bu Tou leading the way finally stopped.

"I actually want to see, Divine Cat Hero, what damned place you're planning to bring me to..."

Cheng Yong gasped heavily, speaking while breathing, before he could finish his sentence, he saw a corpse ahead, his breath caught, he immediately coughed violently, his voice trembling, he said in panic:

"How could there be a corpse here?"

(End of chapter)