"Holy Spirit Village… finally, I'm here."
Qian Jue's heart surged with excitement. He forced himself to take two deep breaths, trying to calm down, but how could he? He was about to meet Tang San and Tang Hao—the protagonist of this world and one of its future strongest!
"Come on, I'll take you to see Village Chief Jack," Deng Sheng said, adjusting his load.
Qian Jue froze. He still hadn't figured out how he was going to explain himself.
"Uh… Uncle Deng, you don't have to trouble yourself. Just tell me where Chief Jack's house is and I'll go find it on my own."
But Deng Sheng frowned.
"No. I told you I'd bring you there, and I will. Let's go."
The man's tone left no room for argument. Qian Jue sighed inwardly. There was no convincing him otherwise, so he could only follow along for now.
"Alright then… sorry to trouble you, Uncle Deng."
"Don't worry about it. Chief Jack's place isn't far."
With that, Deng Sheng picked up his load and led the way. Qian Jue trailed behind, his mind racing. He briefly considered running away, but that would only stir up gossip in the village, ruining his chance to stay here.
No, he'd just have to rely on his wits. Think on your feet, Qian Jue. Silver tongue, don't fail me now.
Before long, they arrived at a modest house. Deng Sheng called out loudly, "Village Chief Jack!"
"Who is it?" came an elderly voice from within.
The door creaked open, and an old man stepped out, smiling when he saw Deng Sheng. "Ah, Deng Sheng. What brings you here?"
Before Deng Sheng could reply, Qian Jue dropped to his knees with a sudden thud.
"Grandpa Jack, I finally found you!" His voice broke, tears welling up instantly.
"What—? Child, what's wrong? Get up, get up!" The old man was startled, rushing forward to help.
Deng Sheng only sighed and stayed silent. Let the boy speak for himself.
Through sobs, Qian Jue spun his tale. "I'm from Goldwater Village. A few days ago, a group of people came… they slaughtered everyone. I watched my father and mother die trying to protect me. Before they passed, they told me to come here, to find a kind man named Grandpa Jack in Holy Spirit Village. They said you would take me in… please, Grandpa Jack, I have nowhere else to go!"
Jack's face paled. "What?! Goldwater Village… wiped out?" He looked to Deng Sheng in shock.
Deng Sheng nodded grimly. "I heard rumors in the city today. They say it was the work of evil Spirit Masters. The whole village was massacred." His gaze softened as he looked at Qian Jue. "No wonder this child seemed so strange… poor kid."
Jack hesitated. He remembered he'd once known Goldwater Village's old chief. Could he really turn this child away? And yet… taking in another mouth to feed, without consulting his son or daughter-in-law, would be difficult.
The boy's tear-streaked face broke his heart. He helped Qian Jue up gently.
"Child… it's not that I don't want to take you in. My family already has many mouths to feed. But don't worry—I'll ask around. Someone in our village will surely be willing to care for you. Holy Spirit Village is full of kind folk."
Qian Jue's panic eased. As long as I can settle in this village, it doesn't matter whose roof I sleep under.
"Thank you… thank you, Grandpa Jack."
At that moment, Deng Sheng stepped forward, his voice solemn.
"Why not let me take him in? I'll look after the boy."
Jack blinked in surprise. "You? Deng Sheng, you live alone. A child needs a family, a proper household. A couple to raise him."
"Trust me, Village Chief. I can take care of him. Give me this chance."
Jack studied him silently for a long moment, then sighed. "If you've forgiven yourself, how can I not give you a chance too? But ultimately, it should be the child's choice."
He turned to Qian Jue. "What do you think, child? Would you like to go with your Uncle Deng? He's a good man, though he lives alone."
"Yes! I'd love to!" Qian Jue blurted without hesitation.
Perfect! A single man means no one to nag me or control me. I'll have all the freedom I need. He barely stopped himself from cheering out loud.
Jack chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Alright then. But I'll come check on you often, Qian Jue. Speaking of which, that's your name, isn't it?"
"Yes, my name is Qian Jue."
"A fine name. Heaven and earth in balance, jade paired as one—very auspicious. Deng Sheng, take good care of this boy. He's in your hands now."
Deng Sheng straightened, determination flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry, Chief Jack. As long as I have food to eat, this child will never go hungry."
Jack waved them off with a smile, calling back to his wife inside, "Old woman, I'm heading to Deng Sheng's place. Don't wait for me at dinner!"
"Got it!" came the reply from within.
With that, Deng Sheng hoisted his load and beckoned Qian Jue to follow. His back, once slightly hunched from years of carrying burdens, now seemed straighter than ever. His steps were lighter, stronger—almost proud.
Qian Jue followed close behind, heart pounding. He had finally secured a place in Holy Spirit Village. The story was just beginning.