C15 Revive the Dead.

The afternoon arrived swiftly!

Beneath the shade of a large locust tree in the quaint fenced-in yard, Pei Junlin, Tang Jicheng, Tang Hao, and Tang Ling were deep in conversation. Tang Ling was the same girl they'd seen earlier, her beauty undiminished by her simple attire.

Tang Jicheng took a particular interest in Tang Ling's background, engaging her in conversation for the better part of the afternoon. Through their discussions, it became clear that Tang Ling hailed from a remote area on the fringes of the old forests in the southwestern region of Huaxia Country, a hub for various ethnic minorities. The area was known for its stunning landscapes, with the local people depending on the abundant natural resources for their livelihood.

Tragedy had struck Tang Ling's family a few years prior when her father passed away in an accident. His death plunged the already struggling family into deeper poverty. To make matters worse, Tang Ling's grandmother fell gravely ill, and the hardships of their impoverished life became too much for Tang Ling's mother, who abandoned her daughter and ailing mother-in-law and never returned.

As a result, Tang Ling, fresh from completing her college entrance exams and even holding an acceptance letter from a prestigious university, was forced to abandon her education to care for her grandmother.

She had been her grandmother's caregiver for nearly a year now.

"How did you and your grandmother end up here?" Tang Jicheng inquired, voicing the collective curiosity.

With a gentle voice, Tang Ling replied, "We used to live in H County in the southwest. But then, two months ago, my grandmother suddenly woke up and insisted that I take her away from home. Over these past two months, we've traveled thousands of miles from our home in the southwest. I'm not sure where she intended to go. She would only give me directions each time she regained consciousness."

"I've lost our way several times. It wasn't until half a month ago that we arrived here, and then my grandmother's condition worsened, and she slipped into a deep coma. I was at a loss for what to do, but thankfully, the villagers here were incredibly compassionate and provided us with this thatched hut."

Tang Ling spoke softly, yet her words weighed heavily on everyone's hearts. They were at a loss for words.

Noticing the delicate scars scattered across Tang Ling's pale arms and the calluses on her small hands, it was painfully clear the immense burdens this young woman, barely eighteen or nineteen, had faced over the past year.

Over the past two months, Tang Ling had undertaken a grueling journey, traveling thousands of miles with her gravely ill grandmother. The pain and pressure she endured along the way were immense.

Even the usually cold-hearted Pei Junlin couldn't help but show a flicker of tenderness in his eyes when he looked at Tang Ling. Though she appeared fragile, her resilience was extraordinary.

"You must have had a rough time over the years," Tang Jicheng remarked softly.

Tang Ling offered a smile and a shake of her head. "I'm fine. I've gotten used to it. But I still don't know who you are. Why did you save my grandmother?"

Before Tang Jicheng could respond, an excited figure burst out of the thatched cottage, exclaiming, "The Old Master is awake!"

A wave of unrestrained joy swept over everyone as they stood. They had been waiting for so long; no news could have been more thrilling.

As the group surged into the cottage, they found Tang Baichuan, who had been lying on the heated brick bed, now sitting upright. And the elderly grandmother, previously at death's door, had opened her eyes.

Their complexions were still pale, but their spirits were lifted. They gazed into each other's eyes, oblivious to the intruders.

The two medical sages who had dashed in were dumbfounded; it was nothing short of a miracle.

Overwhelmed with excitement, Tang Ling hurried toward her grandmother, but before she could utter a word, a hand gently pressed against her rosy lips.

Her eyes wide, Tang Ling blinked, her gaze locking with Pei Junlin's.

As he shook his head slightly, a blush crept across Tang Ling's lovely face.

"You're Xi'er!"

Suddenly, a shaky voice rose from within the cottage, capturing everyone's attention.

Heads turned to see Tang Baichuan on the heated brick bed, his body shaking, eyes fixed intently on the old woman before him.

Meanwhile, the old woman's gaze never wavered from Tang Baichuan's face. As he called out the name Xi'er with a quivering voice, the old woman's frail frame shuddered. Tears of joy welled in her once-cloudy eyes. With a voice trembling with emotion, she uttered, "Brother Baichuan!"

Tang Baichuan inquired, "Xi'er, is that truly you? Am I not dreaming?"

He gazed at the elderly woman before him, her visage slowly merging with the cherished countenance etched in his memory. Overcome with emotion, he reached out and embraced her.

This man, a war hero who had bled for his country and never shed tears despite his wounds, now wept openly, "Xi'er! It's me, your Brother Baichuan! I've wasted your life. I've failed you!"

Tears streamed down the old woman's face as she clung to the figure she had longed to embrace, surrounded by that familiar presence. She spoke through her excitement, "It's not a dream! Brother Baichuan, to see you before I die is to live a life without regrets!"

Suddenly, a painful thought struck her. "But in the end, I might drag you down with me. Brother Baichuan, do you have any regrets?"

Tang Baichuan shook his head firmly, "No! My greatest regret was failing you. Now that fate has granted me a chance to make amends, I am ready to die contented."

The old woman held Tang Baichuan close, her eyes narrowing gently as if bracing for death's embrace.

Onlookers at the doorway peered into the cottage, witnessing the two elders in their tight embrace. All but Pei Junlin, who remained stoic, wore complex expressions.

Tang Ling, in particular, was so astounded that she clasped her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief. She hadn't anticipated such a profound connection to the people before her.

Both Tang Jicheng and Tang Hao looked troubled. Despite piecing together hints earlier, the reality was still a lot to take in.

Pei Junlin spoke up, "Well, now that both elders are awake, let's not delay any further. We should get going."

The evening was drawing close, and he had to make his way back to Qingzhou City to have a serious conversation with the Luo family. Time was of the essence.

Pei Junlin then added, "The Venomous Insects afflicting the Old Master and the Old Madam are now under control, but their health remains fragile, particularly the Old Madam's. She must be given careful attention to recuperate."

Upon hearing this, Tang Jicheng and Tang Hao quickly stepped forward.

The Old Madam, visibly shaken, asked, "What are you saying? The Deadly Love Poison within us has been cured?" She regarded Pei Junlin with a skeptical gaze.

Tang Baichuan gave Pei Junlin a deep bow and expressed his gratitude, "Young Fellow Taoist Pei, your benevolence will not be forgotten. You've saved both of our lives this time. Henceforth, you are considered a friend of the Tang family. Should you ever require our assistance in the future, we will stand ready to aid you, provided it does not conflict with our family's principles."