C12 Leave Now

Xiao Ming arrived home well past midnight. The village was abuzz with conversation, a cacophony that was almost frightening. The aunts, when they finally left, seemed to do so reluctantly, as if they hadn't had their fill of chatter.

Yet, amidst the noise, Tang Qing's face was lit with joy. Life in the village had been tough for her, a widow and mother to an orphan, living in poverty and often facing cold shoulders and disdain. But today, for whatever reason, she could finally hold her head high as she listened to the repeated praises heaped upon Xiao Ming. As a mother, her heart swelled with happiness.

"Ming," she exclaimed, her face etched with worry and concern as she saw her son return.

"I'm back, Mom," Xiao Ming responded, feeling a warm sense of belonging. Maybe it was the lingering affection of his current body, or perhaps it was the absence of such familial warmth in his previous life, but his heart was filled with an emotion he couldn't quite articulate.

"You haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll go make you something right now," Tang Qing said, rising to head to the kitchen, but Xiao Ming stopped her.

"Mom, there's no need. I already ate outside." He gently guided her back and began tidying up the house. Today, he had purchased quite a few pieces of furniture and household items in town.

For years, it had been just the two of them against the world. They weren't destitute, but they were far from comfortable. Tang Qing had always tried to stretch every penny as far as it could go.

"Ming, come here," Tang Qing said suddenly, her tone grave. "Tell me the truth, where did the money for all this come from?"

"Ah, didn't Xiaoxiao tell you? It's all..."

"Stop the nonsense. I'm not a fool. Your peaches, no matter how exceptional, couldn't have fetched that much money. Do you expect me to believe the whole town bought them?"

Xiao Ming was at a loss for words. He had indeed overlooked this issue. The peaches might be exquisite, but the village was simply too remote.

Setting aside the issue of credibility, even if people did believe, five hundred or a thousand was a significant sum for them. And truth be told, if it weren't for Elder Zhao, resolving this matter might not have been so straightforward.

The thought of Elder Zhao brought on an inevitable headache for Xiao Ming.

Elder Zhao seemed convinced that Xiao Ming belonged to some ancient lineage of cultivators, incessantly seeking medical knowledge and nearly prostrating himself to become a disciple.

Left with little choice after Elder Zhao had outright purchased the peaches, Xiao Ming reluctantly imparted a few minor techniques not central to his sect's teachings. Yet, he knew Elder Zhao wouldn't be so easily deterred; it was only a matter of time before he'd come seeking more, a prospect that Xiao Ming found troubling.

He understood all too well the dangers of possessing coveted knowledge. Initially, he believed he'd have no issues in a world devoid of cultivators, but now, with their existence confirmed and their identities, strengths, and intentions unknown, revealing himself prematurely seemed unwise.

His past life, rife with endless conflict, had taught him the necessity of caution.

"I need to set aside some time for a serious talk with Elder Zhao," he mused.

Caught in his contemplation, Xiao Ming was brought back to reality by Tang Qing's sigh. "Be honest with me, is that money from your in-laws?"

"Ah..."

Xiao Ming was momentarily speechless.

"Thinking it over, only your in-laws could come up with such an amount so quickly. You must treat Xixue well. She's a good girl, not at all like the rumors suggest. Was it true what you said about her working at the provincial hospital?"

Xiao Ming's mind raced, unsure how Tang Qing had leaped to such conclusions.

Realizing that a clear explanation might not even convince her, he faltered and offered no denial.

After ensuring Tang Qing was settled for the night, Xiao Ming stepped into the courtyard. Seated cross-legged, he engaged in the Guiyuan breathing technique, attuning himself to the vital energies.

Cultivation was an upstream battle; to stand still was to fall behind, a truth all the more poignant at the outset.

His current body's weak foundation demanded diligence and perseverance, leaving no room for complacency.

Completing his meditative practice, Xiao Ming opened his eyes to a bright new day, the morning sun heralding a fresh start.

Rising to his feet, Xiao Ming decided to freshen up before heading to the town.

It was crucial to address the issue with Elder Zhao as soon as possible, and he was eager to learn more about the cultivators in this world.

Additionally, the situation with Old Man Li needed attention. Having intervened, Xiao Ming was determined to see it through and it was the perfect chance to test whether the world's rules aligned with his speculations.

Before he could act, however, the door burst open.

Both individuals, inside and outside the courtyard, were momentarily frozen, exchanging glances.

It was Soong Xixue who stood at the threshold.

Compelled by curiosity, she had consumed the peach the previous night and, much like Chen Xiaoxiao, was overwhelmed by a foul odor. The scare was immense, but after cleansing herself, her skin was left supple and radiant, exuding an ethereal quality.

Soong Xixue, naturally poised and elegant, now appeared even more exquisite as she stood bathed in the dawn light, her inner purity shining through. Xiao Ming, no stranger to celestial beauty, was momentarily captivated.

Soong Xixue, troubled with questions and restless from a sleepless night, had hurried over at first light seeking answers.

Yet, upon reaching the door, she hesitated. Despite being his wife in name, their wedding night conversation and her abrupt departure during the peach purchase left her feeling awkward about the visit.

A gentle push had unexpectedly swung the door open, revealing him standing in the courtyard.

Their eyes met, creating an oddly charged atmosphere.

"What are you staring at?"

Finally, feeling self-conscious under Xiao Ming's gaze, Soong Xixue's voice grew louder, as if to bolster her own courage.

"Can't I look at my own wife?" Xiao Ming retorted with a smile, genuinely puzzled by the behavior of the women in this world.

At his words, Soong Xixue's irritation flared, and she exclaimed, "Don't forget our marriage is just a sham. I came here to..."

"Be quiet."

Xiao Ming's demeanor shifted abruptly as he silenced her with a stern command.

Startled by the commanding presence before her, Soong Xixue instinctively retreated two steps. Yet, as anger surged within her, she was on the verge of lashing out when Xiao Ming's voice cut through, "My mom went to bed late last night. Let's not wake her. Whatever you need to discuss, let's take it outside."

At his words, the retort that had been on the tip of Soong Xixue's tongue dissolved into silence. She bowed her head and quietly exited the courtyard.

"Let's be clear, we both understand the situation with this sham marriage," Xiao Ming spoke gravely outside the gate. "I'm sure you don't want to stir up trouble in the village. You're heading back to the provincial city, aren't you? I'll be seeking my own path too, but until then, I expect you to play along."

Seemingly intimidated by Xiao Ming's demeanor, Soong Xixue found herself at a loss for words, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. After a tense moment, she stamped her foot defiantly and declared, "Fine, I'll leave. I'm leaving right this moment."

With those final words, Soong Xixue departed without a backward glance.

Xiao Ming, a pang of remorse stirring within him, was about to speak when his gaze fell upon a box at the doorstep.

Upon opening it, he discovered several types of medicine inside—precisely the ones Tang Qing needed.