Chapter 76

**The Demon's Selection (76)**

The place Li Li and Hong Ji were taken to was a pavilion set up in the backyard of the inn. The pavilion, which was empty, already had various dishes prepared.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the food."

Li Li exclaimed with a moved expression.

"There's no one beneath the tiger, indeed! You know how to win people's favor!"

Hong Ji felt the same way. He couldn't resist the sight of the wine bottles on the table and his mouth watered.

"Do you know what a burden you are?"

Han Xuehua, who had been dampening the warm atmosphere, was stopped by Dan Aoxian.

"They are kind people."

Dan Aoxian truly thought so. Although they had a connection with her father, she had never met them before.

"Kind, huh?"

Han Xuehua chuckled.

"If I hadn't saved you that day, you wouldn't even be here."

The faces of the two people twisted in distress.

"Ah, Senior, ... when did you start talking about such old stories?"

"That, that was when we were young, right?"

Unlike the flustered two, Dan Aoxian showed curiosity.

"Do you have a connection with them?"

A faint smile appeared on the corner of Han Xuehua's mouth. Seeing this, Li Li hastily spoke.

"S-Senior!"

"..."

"Still, I am the leader of the Beggar Gang."

"So what?"

"At least I have some dignity now."

Han Xuehua chuckled.

"Time sure flies. The brat who used to cling to me with swollen, tearful eyes..."

"Senior, please..."

Moved by Li Li's earnest plea, Han Xuehua reluctantly closed her mouth. Dan Aoxian was very curious about the content but didn't press further, seeing how pitiful Li Li and Hong Ji looked.

Once the situation settled, the four of them sat down to eat. As the meal was coming to an end, Li Li, observing Han Xuehua's expression, asked:

"By the way, why are you treating us so well?"

"It's to thank you for everything so far."

Dan Aoxian smiled.

"From now on, there's no need for you to stay here for my sake."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Li Li's face showed confusion. He was very curious about why they were rejecting his kindness.

But Dan Aoxian's next words made his expression serious.

"We're going on a trip."

"Us?"

In response to Li Li's question, Dan Aoxian said:

"Yes. Me and this Auntie Han. Other people who are helping me will also come along."

"Hmm."

Li Li's eyes became serious.

"So..."

After a moment of silence, Li Li, who had been silently observing Dan Aoxian, spoke.

"Are you asking me to spread the word?"

As the leader of the Beggar Gang, Li Li's perceptiveness was unmatched. But this time, his intuition was off.

"What? What are you talking about?"

"Huh? Didn't you come here to ask me to spread the word?"

"I just came to let you know in case you wasted your efforts."

Li Li was taken aback by the pure kindness, devoid of any ulterior motives.

"This is embarrassing. I misunderstood."

Seeing Li Li's awkward smile, Dan Aoxian also laughed, her smile so pure that Li Li felt genuinely ashamed.

"We won't be here for a while. We're going to travel around the Central Plains."

If it became known that she was not around, there would be no reason for martial artists to come here.

"But do you really need to do that?"

Li Li, observing Han Xuehua's reaction, expressed his thoughts.

"Just by us being here, most of the scoundrels wouldn't dare to cause trouble. If you're trying to avoid them and go on a trip..."

"It's not that. I have something to do."

"Something to do?"

Han Xuehua, the most respected figure in the martial world, and Dan Aoxian, the subject of the hottest rumors in the current martial world. Li Li was very curious about what they hoped to gain from their trip.

"I can't tell you. You'll find out naturally in time. Please understand for now."

"Well, I understand. Don't worry too much. It's a professional habit. Haha."

Still, Li Li felt a lingering regret and was left with a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Alright, if that's the case, we'll take your word for it. I wish you success in your journey."

"Thank you. I won't forget this help."

"Help? Don't worry about it. Haven't you already been treated so well? Besides, considering the grace I received from the gods, this is nothing."

With that, they exchanged farewells and parted ways.

On their way back to the Demon Valley, Han Xuehua asked:

"When do you plan to leave?"

"We need to take our time. I need to say goodbye to Uncle Feng before we leave."

Han Xuehua nodded silently.

When the two returned to the Demon Valley, Shu Xin and Neng Suomai were busy preparing for the trip. However, it was strange.

Their luggage was surprisingly light.

And soon, they found out why.

"Are you not coming with us?"

In response to Dan Aoxian's question, Shu Xin smiled.

"Someone needs to guard this place, right? A house can become a ruin in no time if it's left unattended."

"But..."

Neng Suomai glanced at Chao Aoliang and Fan Jiewei and whispered:

"I'd rather drink sewage than travel with them."

Neng Suomai's eyes were sunken from the torment she had endured.

Shu Xin added:

"There are many things we need to take care of before we can leave."

The trade with the Pasa Kingdom was not yet concluded.

To confirm the results and plan for the future, a responsible person needed to stay.

"We'll wait for you here until you return."

Seeing their firm resolve, Dan Aoxian soon agreed.

At that moment, Shu Xin asked cautiously:

"By the way, can we manufacture a large number of health pills using the medicinal herbs here?"

"Of course. I'll teach you the method."

"Thank you."

Shu Xin's face brightened at the simple permission.

At that moment, the person they had been waiting for entered the Demon Valley. It was Feng Zhencheng, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

"You're going on a trip?"

"Yes."

Dan Aoxian explained the reasons for her decision in detail.

Feng Zhencheng sighed softly.

"It won't be an easy journey."

"Still, we have to try. We'll practice martial arts during the trip, so even if we fail, it will be a meaningful journey."

Seeing the determination in Dan Aoxian's eyes, Feng Zhencheng smiled quietly.

"Three years... That's quite a long time."

Feng Zhencheng forced back a sigh. Dan Aoxian leaving the Demon Valley to venture into the world was something he had most wanted. Yet, hearing the reasons made him feel heavy-hearted, knowing she was embarking on a difficult path.

'I can't stop her.'

This was a matter of Dan Aoxian's life.

Feng Zhencheng looked at Dan Aoxian with a complex expression.

Just a year ago, she seemed like a mere child, but now she was preparing to throw herself into the world to carve out her own destiny.

"Please see and hear as much as you can, and learn from your experiences. Don't forget that I'll be waiting for you."

* * *

Four days later, Dan Aoxian and her companions, having completed their preparations, left the Demon Valley.

"Please have a safe trip."

Feng Zhencheng bowed to Chao Aoliang, Fan Jiewei, and Han Xuehua.

"Please take care of the Valley Master."

"Don't worry."

Fan Jiewei pounded his chest and declared bravely:

"Trust me! I won't let a drop of blood touch Doctor Dan's fingers."

Han Xuehua answered with her usual calm expression.

After exchanging farewells, Dan Aoxian and her companions left the Demon Valley.

The three, with wistful expressions, watched until Dan Aoxian's figure disappeared completely.

"I need to check the medicinal herb warehouse first."

Although the health pills were easier to manufacture than the Shengshu Pill, they still required a lot of effort. Therefore, Feng Zhencheng decided to teach the method himself.

As Feng Zhencheng left, Neng Suomai sighed with a mix of relief and regret.

"I guess I'm still a bad person."

"Why do you say that?"

"I feel a bit disappointed and regretful..."

"But?"

"I'm more happy than anything."

"Hehe. I fully understand your feelings. You've had a tough time."

"At least you understand me, Brother."

Shu Xin smiled and encouraged Neng Suomai.

"Let's work hard to change this place. I want to see their surprised faces when they return."

"Just thinking about it makes me feel good."

The two, united in spirit, smiled brightly.

* * *

One month later.

The Southern Venerable Wudang and the Northern Revered Shaolin, two renowned orthodox sects that upheld the righteous martial world, were located here in the Songshan Mountains.

While checking their plan on the path leading to Shaolin Temple, Dan Aoxian, observing Chao Aoliang's expression, cautiously asked:

"Uncle, are you really okay?"

Chao Aoliang smiled and nodded.

"Don't worry. I'll try to hold back this time."

In fact, Chao Aoliang had been feeling conflicted throughout the journey.