As the saying goes, poor children grow up fast.
The little boy's father died long ago, leaving his mother to raise him and his younger brother in the village. Though the neighbors often helped, the boy had a strong sense of pride. He started working in the fields early to share his mother's burden.
A year ago, a sudden flood hit the village. He was swept away because he hadn't run fast enough. Qing'er's father went in after him and was swallowed by the raging waters. When they found his body, it was wedged against a tree stump.
Qing'er cried terribly. Her mother had died shortly after giving birth to her, and now her father was gone too. She fell into despair. Fortunately, the village healer, Old Master Lian, took her in, and from then on Qing'er studied medicine under him.
The little boy had witnessed it all. Seeing Sister Qing'er sobbing so helplessly felt like a knife to the heart. For this past year, he lived every day in guilt—regretting that he hadn't run faster, that he'd been too slow. If only he'd moved a little quicker, Sister Qing'er's father might not have died.
Going through things at such a young age that many never face in a lifetime made him more mature and sensible than his peers.
"We never said we'd just stand by and do nothing. We're trying to find a way, aren't we? Don't be so anxious. Besides, they want two people. What good would you be alone?"
His mother, unable to refute him, tried her best to dissuade him.
Hearing this, the boy turned slightly to look toward their home.
His mother's heart jolted.
There was another child at home—his little brother, just over two years old.
Frightened, she was about to speak when the boy turned back with a smile.
"Don't worry, Mom. I've got a sweet tongue and I'm quick with work. One person is enough. And maybe the immortal won't have the heart to kill me."
"You shouldn't think the immortal is so cruel either. Maybe he'll see I'm capable and clever and, instead of killing me, he'll even teach me magic."
The crowd looked at the boy and saw not a trace of fear in his eyes. They were stunned by his optimism.
"Xiaolong, you…"
"Mom, let me go."
Before she could say more, the boy cut her off.
"I owe them. They saved my life. If I don't act now, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. I'll live in guilt forever."
"Uncle saved me back then and let me live these extra years. I'm truly grateful to him. Now his daughter is in danger—how can I just stand by?"
"If I go, I'll definitely bring Sister Qing'er back."
"Besides, if I'm gone, Mom won't have to work so hard taking care of me and my little brother."
"It's just…"
"It's just that I'm sorry, Mom… I haven't had the chance to honor you properly… You've worked so hard all your life…"
"But with my little brother here, it'll be fine. I believe he'll protect you."
As he spoke, the boy's eyes turned red. He still forced back his tears, unwilling to show weakness.
His mother couldn't hold back any longer. She hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face.
Her lips parted, but before she could say anything, a deafening boom erupted in the distance.
BOOM!!!!!!!!!
On the mountain, a pillar of roaring flames shot into the sky.
"Damn! It's run out of patience!" a villager cried out.
"Mom, I have to go."
The boy pushed with both hands, trying to break free of her arms.
"No! You can't! Xiaolong, you mustn't go!"
Like a madwoman, she lunged forward and wrapped him in another desperate embrace.
No mother can watch her child walk toward death. Not even if he begs for it. She would not offer her son to an immortal. Any other family could do it—just not hers.
A mother's love is great, and it is also selfish.
"Everyone, prepare your finest food at once! All able-bodied men, take up your weapons!"
At the village chief's command, the villagers scattered in all directions. In an instant, the crowded square was empty save for the mother and son.
"It's okay, Mom. It's okay."
The boy gently patted her back to comfort her.
"Xiaolong… you can't go… you can't… what will I do if you leave…"
"You're my child… I won't let you go…"
She wept uncontrollably, clutching him as if afraid he might slip away at any moment.
The boy turned slightly to look at the village chief.
The village chief had been watching them the whole time. The boy gave him a meaningful glance.
"Sigh…"
Understanding, the village chief let out a heavy sigh and gave a slight nod.
Smack!
A young man chopped the back of the mother's neck with the edge of his hand. Her eyes rolled back and she fainted on the spot.
The boy caught her and, eyes red, whispered an apology.
"I'm sorry, Mom…"
"If there's a next life… I want to be your child again… I'll honor you then…"
He wiped away his tears and walked toward the village chief.
"Xiaolong…"
"Chief, my mind is made up."
"Sigh… very well."
Seeing the boy's unwavering resolve, the village chief said nothing more.
"Hide this well."
The chief handed him a small dagger.
"The plan is as follows. I'll keep it brief."
The village chief looked solemnly at the people gathered before him.