Chapter 555: Go!

Three years away, six years back.

This year, Li Er turned fifteen.

In these six years, Li Er has met many scholars who came from all over.

They came seeking fame, hoping to pay respects to that "teacher".

The teacher sometimes meets them, but more often prefers not to.

So they settled in the village, going each day to look for a chance; when idle, they would chat with the clever child of the village.

Li Er learned a great deal of knowledge from them.

Each household has its own set of reasoning, and every set sounds very logical.

But when put together, sometimes they merge into one, other times they contradict and clash with each other.

He still feels it's insufficient.

Those reasonings can explain part of the matters, but not everything.

Therefore, today he prepares to go out.

To the Shou Cang Shi.

A few days ago, Yao Xian had already gone to the Zhou Royal Family to recommend him.

The Yao Xian of today is no longer the Yao Xian from six years ago.

Yu Lin later passed him a body‑refining method; after practicing it, his strength surged, and now he is unquestionably the world's number one witch priest.

Think about it.

In the realm of Witchcraft, he is the chief.

Anyone dueling him in magic is bound to lose.

Some skeptics think Witchcraft can't beat you, so perhaps a close‑range attack will work?

You, a witch priest who appears to specialize in Witchcraft, can't also be strong in the body‑refining method, can you? Since your body‑refining method is weak, how strong can your flesh be?

When they finally got close, before they could rejoice, they saw Yao Xian yank his clothes aside, revealing a torso of sinewy flesh, and give them a slight smile:

"I also have a modest grasp of body technique!"

Then he threw a punch, and half a hill vanished.

What more is there to fight? Just throw it!

Thus when Yao Xian recommended Li Er, Zhou Ling Wang naturally gave face.

And he gave great face.

Zhou Ling Wang agreed on the spot and even wanted to send a glorious escort to bring Li Er over.

The honor guard was ready, waiting to set out.

But under Yu Lin's instruction, Yao Xian politely declined Zhou Ling Wang's kindness.

"Let him walk over himself," Yao Xian said, "no need to make a fuss."

Zhou Ling Wang, though puzzled, still agreed.

And in accordance with Yao Xian's request, he concealed Li Er's identity.

So now, the people under Zhou Ling Wang only know that a newcomer is coming to the Shou Cang Shi.

But they don't know what background this newcomer has.

In these six years, the world remains chaotic.

Last year, the King of Chu Gong died.

He was forty, not old, yet not considered young in that era.

In the end he still couldn't fulfill his father's hegemonic ambition, and, with his eye shot blind, left the mortal world unwillingly.

The other matters need not be mentioned.

War, usurpation, regicide, almost occur every year, and replay at intervals.

Li Er heard about it, but only heard.

He feels a bit numb.

But numb as he is, he knows he can't do much now.

He can only strive to improve himself.

……

Today, Li Er stands at the village entrance.

The sunshine is fine, warming his body.

He has changed into a new set of clothes.

It's not made of luxurious fabric, just ordinary linen, washed spotless, and when he wears it, it carries an indescribable aura.

The fifteen‑year‑old boy has grown in stature, taller by a great margin than six years ago, standing there like a lofty young white poplar.

Behind him are the villagers of Qu Ren Li.

The village head stands at the front, his hair much whiter, but his spirit remains fine.

Behind him stand the aunt and uncle, and the elders who have watched Li Er grow up.

Further back are those little followers.

Chen Hui is already fourteen, looking sturdier than Li Er.

He stands at the front, eyes reddened, speaking in a hoarse tone: "Big brother,"

"Are you really leaving?"

"Can't you take me with you?"

Li Er looks at him and smiles.

Hmm, I'm leaving.

If I take you with me, who will tend your family's fields? Who will look after your parents? While I'm away, you must watch over these folks and not let them cause trouble.

Alright, then when will you come back?

Li Er thought for a moment, shook his head, and said: "I don't know."

Chen Hui's eye sockets grew redder.

A little girl beside him tugged his sleeve and whispered: "Hui bro, don't cry."

"I didn't cry!" Chen Hui rubbed his eyes hard, pouted, and said:

I just... uh, don't worry about it!

Li Er walked over, raised his hand, and patted his shoulder.

Ah Hui, take good care of them

Chen Hui froze for a moment, then nodded firmly.

Hmm!

Li Er patted his shoulder again, then turned and walked toward Li Shi.

Li Shi stood there, still wearing that coarse‑cloth garment washed until faded, still with that delicate, gentle face.

Six years had passed, she had not aged, still the same as before.

Li Er walked up to her and stopped.

Then he bent at the waist and performed a proper salute.

Mother, I'm leaving.

Li Shi gazed at him for a long time.

Then she reached out, straightened his collar, and patted the nonexistent dust from his shoulder.

Go on," she said, "be careful on the road.

Li Er nodded.

He straightened up, glanced at her once more, then turned and walked toward the village outskirts.

Behind him, the villagers spoke up one after another:

Li Er, be careful on the road!

When you get there, remember to write back!

If anyone bullies you, come back and tell us!

Exactly! The people of Qu Ren Li cannot be bullied!

Li Er didn't turn back; he simply raised his hand and waved behind him.

The group of little followers stood where they were, gazing longingly at his receding back.

Chen Hui finally couldn't hold back; tears dropped pattering down.

But he made no sound, just clenched his teeth tightly, watching that figure step by step as it headed into the distance.

Under the tree at the village entrance, Yu Lin stood there at some point.

When Li Er walked up beside him, he stopped.

He raised his head, looking at this man who had been by his side since birth yet remained inscrutable.

Yu Lin, I'm leaving.

Yu Lin nodded.

Hmm.

Li Er fell silent for a moment, then asked:

Do you have anything you want to say to me?

Yu Lin looked at him.

The fifteen‑year‑old boy's eyes no longer held any childishness; only a calm, resolute light remained.

He thought for a moment, then spoke:

Go on.

Just two words.

Li Er froze for a moment, then laughed.

He bowed to Yu Lin, then turned and strode forward.

As he walked, he suddenly turned, knelt before Yu Lin, and performed a great salute:

Father, I'm leaving.

Then he rose.

This time, he did not look back again.

Yu Lin stood beneath the old locust tree, watching that silhouette fade away until it vanished into the horizon.

Sunlight poured down, warm and cozy.

He whispered a sentence:

Go on.