TRWSB – Chapter 255 Four Years Later

Four Years Later

A nimble figure flitted through the mountains.

“That looks like Lord Xindore,” said a warrior of the Divine Blood Clan.

“Seems like it.”

“Lord Xindore’s strength seems to have grown again.”

“Yeah! He must be a three-star warrior by now.”

After Qi Shaorong and the others settled down, they began treating illnesses for many people. As their reputation gradually spread, more and more people came with rewards, seeking Qi Shaorong’s medical expertise. With a child to raise and no other way to make a living, Qi Shaorong simply returned to his old profession — healing.

Those who recovered sometimes stayed and formed settlements near Qi Shaorong’s residence, while others left and returned to their original tribes.

Over the years, Xindore and others made great strides in strength. Raymond, Anbo, and others gradually advanced to become Totem Warriors.

Although their group’s numbers didn’t grow much, their overall strength underwent a complete transformation.

Seeing Xindore return, Raymond smiled and said, “You’re back!”

Two years ago, Fred and Raymond became partners, and they had been getting along quite well.

“Yeah! Brother Raymond, where’s my brother?” Xindore asked.

“He went to North Mountain. Word is, a saber-toothed tiger showed up there and has killed quite a few people from the Cloud Tribe. Your brother was entrusted to help take care of it,” Raymond replied.

Xindore nodded. “I see.”

Over the years, Qi Shaorong’s faction had grown into a unique force — not a tribe, but every single one of them was powerful. Whenever a tribe faced a problem they couldn’t handle, they would come to Qi Shaorong’s group for help.

———

Outside the Bamboo House

A small child in rough linen clothes was struggling to push a stone.

Nearby, another child sat cross-legged, eyes closed in meditation.

Qi Shaorong looked at Yi Ming and then at Mu Tingxuan and said, “Your kid is really motivated! The moment he wakes up, he exercises. Not like mine — sits down to meditate as soon as he wakes up, looking like he’s still asleep.”

Mu Tingxuan smiled and said, “Young Master, don’t say that. A Ming’s just playful. A Yun is the truly diligent one — meditating the moment he’s up.”

Qi Shaorong looked at Mu Tingxuan and muttered, “You sure he’s meditating and not just dozing off?”

Mu Tingxuan looked at Zhuang Yun’s face and said, “Look at him. So focused — he’s definitely meditating.”

Qi Shaorong took a deep breath and said, “We’ve been here for almost five years now.”

Mu Tingxuan nodded. “Yeah.”

“We need to get the Yin-Yang Grass soon,” Qi Shaorong said.

Two years ago, they had already located the Yin-Yang Grass, but it was in a dangerous place. Back then, after merging their cores, they had conceived children, so they put the matter aside.

Qi Shaorong thought: The conditions in this Forsaken Land are terrible. I don’t want my son growing up in a place like this.

After playing for a while, Yi Ming tired out and quietly sat in front of the meditating Zhuang Yun. He sat for a long time, but Zhuang Yun didn’t move. Suddenly, Yi Ming threw a punch at him.

Zhuang Yun instantly opened his eyes and caught Yi Ming’s chubby little fist.

Foiled in his sneak attack, Yi Ming withdrew his hand in frustration.

“Idiot,” Zhuang Yun muttered.

Yi Ming glared at him, then got up and ran off.

Zhuang Yun calmly closed his eyes again.

Qi Shaorong looked at Zhuang Yun’s stern little face and thought: My son’s still so young, but he already knows how to put on airs. I wonder who he gets that from.

———

“Uncle Loga!” Yi Ming ran toward Loga.

Seeing Loga, Yi Ming rushed over and hugged his leg tightly.

Loga was a bit flustered, both surprised and nervous. Born with red eyes, he had been cast out by his tribe. For years, he had longed for connection but feared rejection. Now, this small child clung to his leg, leaving Loga unsure how to respond.

Looking up, Yi Ming asked, “Uncle Loga, did you go hunting with my dad?”

Loga nodded. “Yes, I did.”

Loga had been following Yi Fan for several years now. At first, it was out of gratitude for saving his life. But after following him for a while, Loga realized he’d made the right choice. Yi Fan was immensely powerful, an expert in poison, and Qi Shaorong’s group had countless ways of dealing with beasts. Over the years, Loga’s strength had improved rapidly.

What made Loga feel most at ease was that Yi Fan and the others didn’t care about his red eyes. It wasn’t pretend — they truly didn’t see it as a problem. Loga knew many people feared his power and pretended not to mind his “cursed star” status, while secretly remaining wary.

After several years, Loga had also come to suspect that Yi Fan and the others might have some mysterious background — but he never said anything.

Loga nodded again, pulled out a few colorful stones, and gave them to Yi Ming. “These are for you.”

“Thanks, Uncle!” Yi Ming replied joyfully.

Xindore came over. “Loga, you’re back too? Looks like we got here at almost the same time!”

Loga gave Xindore a mild glance and nodded.

Qi Shaorong looked at both of them and said, “You two, come inside for a moment.”

Xindore turned to Qi Shaorong. “Healer, is Young Master Zhuang finally going to make his move?”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Yes. It’s been delayed long enough — it’s time.”

Xindore clenched his fists. “With our current strength, we shouldn’t have any trouble exploring Cangyun Lake.”

A light smile rose on Xindore’s lips. To the Xindore from five years ago, Cangyun Lake had seemed like a death trap. But after five years of rapid improvement, it no longer felt daunting.

———

“Healer,” the chief of the Dashi Tribe approached.

Qi Shaorong smiled. “Chief, you’re here.”

“I brought some supplies for you.”

“You’re too kind, Chief,” Qi Shaorong said with a smile.

Qi Shaorong looked at the chieftain of the Dashi Tribe and thought to himself: This chieftain really knows how to win favor. Every now and then, he would send over things that Qi Shaorong needed—not anything particularly rare or valuable, but always useful.

Over the years, the Dashi Tribe had grown to become one of the most powerful tribes in the surrounding area.

In contrast, the Feihu Tribe hadn’t produced any new talent and seemed to be in decline. It was said that due to several poor decisions, Xin Li had been removed from his position as chieftain, and the new leader was now Xin Ya.

“Master Healer, your child is so adorable!” the Dashi chieftain praised.

Qi Shaorong smiled and said, “He’s alright, I guess.”
But in his heart, he thought: My son may be young, but he’s already a little heartthrob!

Zhuang Hao walked in and said, “Chieftain, you’re here!”

The Dashi chieftain nodded at Zhuang Hao and said, “Young Master Zhuang, I’ll take my leave now.”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Take care, Chieftain.”

Zhuang Hao entered the room with Zhuang Yun trailing closely behind him. Zhuang Yun’s small face was stiff and serious, looking very proper.

Qi Shaorong glanced at Zhuang Yun, a trace of displeasure flickering across his eyes.

He thought to himself: Whenever Zhuang Yun is with me, he acts like a sleepyhead, like he’s never fully awake. But the moment Zhuang Hao shows up, he lights up with admiration. The moment Zhuang Hao returns, Zhuang Yun becomes lively and energetic.

Zhuang Hao took out a jade box and handed it to Qi Shaorong. Qi opened it and was instantly stunned. “Yin-Yang Grass?!”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Yes.”

Qi Shaorong asked in surprise, “You went to Cangyun Lake?”

Zhuang Hao nodded again. “Yes.”

“I thought we hadn’t gone yet?” Qi Shaorong frowned.

Zhuang Hao chuckled. “I was afraid you’d worry, so I didn’t tell you. Now that I have it, I can finally let you know.”

Qi Shaorong looked at Zhuang Hao, unsure whether to feel moved by his thoughtfulness or angry at his recklessness.

“You rascal, I was just discussing plans with Xindore and Loga about heading to Cangyun Lake,” Qi Shaorong grumbled.

Zhuang Hao smiled. “Well, now that we’ve got the goods, there’s no need to trouble them.”

Qi Shaorong glared at Zhuang Hao and asked, “So we can go back now?”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “I believe we can.”

Qi Shaorong said with mixed feelings, “We can finally go back.”

He took a deep breath. Originally, he had only come to find the Yin-Yang Grass. He hadn’t expected to end up staying here for several years. It had been so long since he left the magical world—he had no idea how his “Allure” cosmetics store was doing.

Qi Shaorong frowned, a trace of frustration on his face.

Zhuang Hao looked at him and asked, “Shaorong, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy we’re finally going back?”

Qi Shaorong gave a dry laugh. “I feel like I haven’t done anything meaningful these past few years. Going back like this… feels kind of embarrassing.”

Zhuang Hao laughed. “Why would it?”

He scooped Zhuang Yun into his arms and said proudly, “We made this little guy. That’s quite the achievement! Bringing him back with us, everyone will think we’re returning in glory.”

Qi Shaorong was momentarily dazed when he saw Zhuang Yun—usually so stiff and aloof—actually smiling shyly.

Qi Shaorong looked at Zhuang Yun and smiled. “You’re right.”

……

Yi Ming leaned against the table and asked Mu Tingxuan, “Mother-father, are we going to that place you talked about?”

Mu Tingxuan nodded. “Yes.”

“Daddy Fan said there are lots of beautiful people there,” Yi Ming said with a childish tone.

Mu Tingxuan smiled. “That’s right. Do you have any thoughts?”

Yi Ming blinked and said, “I want to woo the most handsome guys, eat the best food, drink the best wine, make loads of money, and become a winner in life…”

Mu Tingxuan frowned. “Who taught you that?”

“Doctor Qi did! He said people should have dreams,” Yi Ming chirped, bouncing around.

Mu Tingxuan: “……”

Yi Fan walked in. Mu Tingxuan frowned and said unhappily, “You and Zhuang Hao went to Cangyun Lake—why didn’t you tell me?”

“Even if I told you, you’d still have to stay behind and take care of Yi Ming. You wouldn’t have been able to come. Zhuang Hao didn’t want Shaorong to worry, and I didn’t want you to lose sleep over it,” Yi Fan explained.

Mu Tingxuan gave a bitter smile. “Forget it. At least you came back safe.”

Yi Fan chuckled. “Actually, Cangyun Lake isn’t all that dangerous. Its reputation is a bit exaggerated.”