Inside the ancient city, everything was the same as before. The cold winds cut people’s faces like knives. Only places that were blocked by the old city walls seemed to be slightly warmer.
Jiang Yingrong’s face had a trace of hesitation that was difficult to describe. Although she was a woman, she was decisive in her actions and was definitely not inferior to a man. Nonetheless, at this moment, there was a flicker in her eyes. It was obvious that she was uneasy and was unable to make a decision.
All of a sudden, the sound of children laughing and playing could be heard not far away.
Jiang Qingcheng’s baby-like laughter rang out like a bell, bringing a pure vitality to this lifeless world.
Jiang Yingrong turned her head to look and saw her precious daughter walking in circles around Lil’ Man. The little girl’s face was full of smiles, but Lil’ Man was still unmoved like an ice-cold stone.
Unknowingly, a faint smile appeared on the corner of Jiang Yingrong’s mouth.
She was a shrewd person, and she had gotten a hint from Lil’ Man’s expression.
The child’s face was full of impatience, but his eyes betrayed his will. It was a kind of desire and indescribable joy.
At this time, the pain and sorrow that had condensed between his eyebrows seemed to have vanished into thin air due to the girl’s laughter.
Even so, his self-esteem still allowed him to maintain that weak reserve and coldness that was as thin as a piece of paper.
The corners of Jiang Yingrong’s mouth trembled slightly, and she became increasingly hesitant. Especially when she looked at her daughter who was smiling sweetly, a thin layer of mist appeared in her eyes.
At the spur of the moment, Jiang Yingrong’s expression changed slightly. She turned around and looked in a certain direction. At this moment, an extremely dangerous aura emanated from her body. It was as if she was no longer a virtuous woman but a powerful warrior who had experienced hundreds of battles and killed numerous people.
Nevertheless, in the next moment, her tensed nerves relaxed.
This was because the person who appeared behind her was not a stranger but the head butler of this ancient city, Jiang Yuping.
The old man who was a top-grade Spiritualist slowly walked and came to her side. He followed her gaze and slowly asked, “You’re thinking of going home?”
Jiang Yingrong was stunned and asked, “How did you know?”
This time, she did not directly object or refuse. Instead, she used a questioning tone.
Jiang Yuping chuckled and explained, “Qingcheng has slowly grown up. Even if she was cared for by the governor and me, she won’t be able to obtain the same amount of resources as that in the main city.” He let out a long sigh and continued, “Qingcheng’s aptitude isn’t bad, but she can’t waste any more time. You… Wouldn’t wish for her to live a dull life, right?”
Jiang Yingrong was silent for a long while before she replied to him, “If she can really live a peaceful life, it might also be a blessing even if it’s a little full.”
“Heh, live a peaceful life?” Jiang Yuping sneered and said, “In the Big Ruins, if one doesn’t have superb strength, how could there be peace? You shouldn’t deceive yourself.”
Jiang Yingrong clenched her teeth and questioned, “Why are you telling me this?”
The old man’s eyes flickered as he looked at the children playing in the distance. “That child’s Bloodline Power is somewhat incomplete, but he’s still extraordinary. Heh, since he’s being hunted by the Blood Dragon Clan, why not let us have him?”
Jiang Yingrong was slightly moved, and she asked, “Do you think highly of him?”
Jiang Yuping pondered for a moment before answering, “The bloodline in his body was forcefully stripped off. He was lucky enough to have survived but no one can guarantee that he’ll have outstanding achievements in the future.” He paused for a moment before he continued, “That said, this child still has the value of being nurtured. Perhaps a miracle has appeared in his body.”
The woman’s eyes flickered as she looked at the figures of the 2 children in front of her. She seemed to be deep in thought.
Suddenly, Lil’ Man’s eyes lit up. He abandoned Jiang Qingcheng and twisted his body as he ran toward the corner of the street.
Jiang Qingcheng was slightly startled as she pouted her little mouth. Despite that, she soon broke into a smile and even the corners of her eyes narrowed because she also saw the 2 familiar figures at the corner of the street.
Ou Yangming revealed a smile as he stretched out both of his hands and lifted Lil’ Man up high.
After a few days of separation, he really missed this little guy.
“Master Yu, you’re back.” Jiang Yingrong walked forward with a smile. She held her daughter’s small hand and said, “You must’ve gained something from this trip.”
“Hehe, of course, I won’t return empty-handed if I follow Elder He.” Ou Yangming smiled. “We found some good wood that’s just right for Lil’ Man.” He reached out and rubbed Lil’ Man’s messy hair. There was a hint of a doting smile in his eyes.
Lil’ Man revealed a rare smile. He was a quiet child, but he knew who was truly good to him.
“Hey, Grandpa He, who’s this?” Jiang Qingcheng’s bell-like voice rang out. Her gaze was filled with curiosity as she stared at Lil’ Lan.
Ou Yangming sighed softly and explained, “This is a little girl that we saved outside. Her mother died tragically at the hands of a foreign race. Now, she has no closed ones in the Big Ruins.”
“Ah…” Jiang Qingcheng gently covered her mouth, and her eyes flashed with shock.
She was born in the Big Ruins, but Jiang Yingrong was meticulous in protecting her. In addition, with the governor and Jiang Yuping’s vague care for her, no one would dare to find trouble with her. Therefore, while the little girl had heard some news about the foreign races, she could not understand the great harm they had caused to the Humans in the Big Ruins.
Now, when a girl younger than her stood alone in front of her, she vaguely sensed the danger and cruelty behind what happened.
“A foreign race?” Jiang Yuping stepped forward and asked in a deep voice, “When did they appear? Which race are they?”
He Jian slowly answered, “They’re from the Blood Horned Dragon Clan.”
“Hiss…” Jiang Yuping gasped. Even among the foreign races, the Blood Horned Dragon Clan was very powerful. His eyes immediately became solemn as he asked, “Where did they appear?”
He Jian shook his head and responded, “There’s no need to be nervous as they’ve already retreated.” He let out a long sigh and added, “It is just a pity that those few villages are gone.”
Jiang Yuping was startled as he said in surprise, “How could they easily…” He suddenly paused. He sized up Ou Yangming and He Jian for a moment before he slowly nodded and did not say anything else.
He was a bystander in the battle between Ou Yangming and Ji Qi, so he naturally knew the strength of this young fellow. In addition, He Jian was a recluse, so it was not difficult for him to kill a Blood Horned Dragon.
Having said that, Jiang Yuping would never have thought that they had not only killed the Blood Horned Dragons but also Dong Ruyu, who was the young master of the clan. Furthermore, they fought their ruler, Dong Chenyu, and even escaped. If Jiang Yuping knew this, he would not be as calm as he was now.
Jiang Qingcheng rolled her eyes and took the initiative to grab Lil’ Lan’s hand. She smiled and said, “Younger sister, let’s play together.” After saying that, she looked at Lil’ Man with anticipation.
Lil’ Man had a disdainful look on his face as if he was not interested in this.
However, Ou Yangming nodded gently at him. Lil’ Man hesitated for a moment but still nodded silently and followed them.
He Jian chuckled and said, “Looks like I’m overdoing it.”
He had let Lil’ Man practice wood carving to temper his temper so that the child would be calm and release his evil aura. That said, after seeing Jiang Qingcheng’s actions, he knew there were many ways to dissolve the evil energy inside the child’s body. Perhaps there was really no need to go through so much trouble.
After the 3 children left, Jiang Yingrong put away the smile on her face and expressed, “I’d like to say goodbye to the two of you.”
“What?” Ou Yangming and He Jian were dumbfounded. A strange feeling welled up in their hearts.
Jiang Yuping cleared his throat and said, “Young Lady, I’ll take my leave first.” He nodded slightly to the other two and turned around to leave.
Ou Yangming’s eyes were bright as he looked at Jiang Yingrong. He smiled lightly and said, “Young Lady Jiang, you really are a disciple of the Black Dragon Clan.”
Jiang Yingrong lowered her gaze slightly and explained, “Master Yu, I was originally the daughter of the Jiang family’s patriarch but because I had a conflict with my family, I took my daughter and ran away from home.” She let out a long sigh and continued, “But after so many years, I’ve also thought it through. Blood is thicker than water. No matter what I choose, I can’t hide the fact that I have this identity, so I plan to… Go home.”
Ou Yangming’s mind went into a trance for a moment. He also thought of Old Craftsman and Ni Yinghong.
The words “go home” sounded so tempting.
He Jian suddenly asked, “Are you going to take Lil’ Man away?”
Ou Yangming was slightly struck dumb, and an odd look appeared in his eyes.
Who knew, Jiang Yingrong said without hesitation, “Yes, while Lil’ Man isn’t from the Black Dragon Clan, the blood flowing in his body is also from the Big Ruins. Only in the Big Ruins can he have the opportunity to soar again.” Her eyes were burning as she looked at Ou Yangming. “If it’s for his own good, you should let him follow me and see if he can seize this opportunity.”
Ou Yangming looked at Lil’ Man, who was playing not far away, as well as Lil’ Lan, who had just joined in. She was also a little shy and cautious.
As if they sensed something, the children also turned their heads and revealed sunny smiles.
He Jian pondered for a moment and suggested slowly, “Master Yu, the Big Ruins is full of dangers, and so is the place you want to go. No matter what, we must give them a stable environment.”
Jiang Yingrong’s expression was stern as she assured the young fellow. “Don’t worry, I’ll treat them as my own, and I’ll surely take good care of them for you.”
Ou Yangming let out a long sigh. He had not spent much time with Lil’ Man and Lil’ Lan but perhaps it was due to pity or fate, he cared for them.
If it was possible, he would not mind bringing them to the Spiritual Realm.
Nonetheless, just as Jiang Yingrong said, this was Lil’ Man’s real home.
Slowly turning around, Ou Yangming bowed deeply to Jiang Yingrong and said, “In that case, I thank you on their behalf…”
The sun set in the west, and the afterglow shone on the ground and his body, forming a sharp contrast.
All of this seemed to be an end. He had left this karma here forever.
