Master Gu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "This world is vast. When one is young, one wants to see it; one cannot simply pass through this life in vain. In old age, one returns to one's roots. This is where I was born and raised. To die in my hometown is to find fulfillment."
"Oh," Chen Jiuyang replied, understanding but not entirely.
Master Gu looked at him deeply, "Strange, truly strange. Go out now. Your father and I have something to discuss."
Chen Jiuyang turned and left.
Since Master Gu returned to Chenyu Town, many outsiders had moved to the vicinity, making the entire Qingcheng County area much livelier.
Chen's father, who had always been idle and fond of traveling, seemed to have been affected and became busy, often leaving early in the morning and returning late at night.
Time passed, and half a year later, it was October.
Chen Jiuyang had grown taller, but his life remained unchanged.
Every two or three days, he would go to Qingcheng County to listen to stories. Now, he had to leave in the morning to secure a spot at Yuan Yiju, otherwise, there would be no seats in the afternoon.
The population of Qingcheng County and its surrounding towns and villages had increased considerably.
Li Yatou held Chen Jiuyang's hand as they strolled through Qingcheng County.
Crowds of people were everywhere, but what was puzzling was that despite the increased population, the merchants had decreased, and food prices had risen slightly.
"Brother Yang, is Uncle Chen busy arranging a wife for you recently?"
In this era, it wasn't outrageous for children from well-off families to be arranged to marry at the age of eight or nine, mostly involving engagement gifts, and formal marriage could take place after the age of fourteen or fifteen.
Chen Jiuyang did not answer directly but said, "Li Yatou, two days ago I heard my mother say someone came to propose marriage to you. Did it work out?"
Li Yatou's pretty face immediately flushed red, "Aunt Chen refused for me, saying she would help me pick someone good in a couple of years."
"Let's not talk about this. Hurry up, let's go listen to stories, and then go home."
For the countless time they visited Yuan Yiju, the young servants were already familiar with them. Seeing Li Yatou and Chen Jiuyang, they would smile proactively. Chen Jiuyang took out a dozen copper coins from his pocket, sat down, and waited for the story to begin.
"I heard a monster disaster is coming."
"Really?"
"Is there any reason for it to be false? The outsiders who have moved here in the past six months are all because they heard the rumors and left their homes to come to our place."
"Why would monsters come to our impoverished backwater?"
"Who knows."
When Chen Jiuyang first heard such topics half a year ago, he was also filled with anxiety.
Almost every time he came to Yuan Yiju, people were discussing this topic, and Chen Jiuyang was tired of hearing them talk about it.
"Bang!"
The sound of the clapper striking the table silenced everyone.
"Today's story is..."
Chen Jiuyang initially treated the stories at Yuan Yiju as a window to the world. Over time, he simply listened for novelty and to broaden his horizons.
Perhaps due to the environment and his developing brain as he grew, Chen Jiuyang's memories of his past life became increasingly clear.
After listening to the story, sitting in the carriage on the way home, Chen Jiuyang's mind was filled with those questions again.
What kind of world is this? Why are the demon races attacking cities? Each feudal city has a martial cultivator as a guardian, why have I never seen one?
Upon returning home, Chen Jiuyang saw Master Gu at home. Besides him, there were over a dozen other people, some were youths, some were young and strong men, and piles of things were being moved into their house.
"Chen kid, from today onwards, I will be living in your house."
"Oh," Chen Jiuyang showed no particular reaction.
Chen's father said to Chen Jiuyang, "For some reasons, Master Gu will be staying at our house from now on. These are all strong guards to watch the house."
With more people, there was bound to be some disorder. Many people had moved to Qingcheng County and its surroundings, and in the recent period, there had been many cases of theft and robbery. The towns and villages had no constables to maintain order; only Qingcheng County had constables from the Marquisate's yamen.
Chen Jiuyang nodded.
"Chen kid, for the next period, do not leave Chenyu Town."
Chen Jiuyang asked in confusion, "Why?"
"Listen to the sound."
Master Gu left a cryptic remark.
The Chen family's population suddenly increased significantly. The five guards and their families, Master Gu took in six or seven disciples to pass on his legacy.
Chen's father also stopped disappearing. He ate with Chen Jiuyang every day, fished in their pond, and taught Chen Jiuyang some survival skills.
Chen Jiuyang was puzzled. Did this flamboyant father of his know any skills?
"Your mother is not from this area. Your father met her when he was traveling with Master Gu."
Chen Jiuyang nodded. It seemed this flamboyant father did possess some skills.
He taught Chen Jiuyang how to fish, make clothes and shoes, identify basic medicinal herbs, and how to travel during the day and at night.
"My son, you must remember these well. These survival skills have been passed down from generation to generation by our ancestors, orally transmitted."
"A man must learn these skills to ensure his lineage continues."
For the first time, Chen Jiuyang showed a solemn expression. In this society without books and literacy, such cultural knowledge could only be passed down orally.
Perhaps it was because autumn had arrived, the cicadas had fallen silent, and the geese were flying south. The entire world seemed to be gradually fading.
Until one night, as Chen Jiuyang was still sleeping, Chen's father suddenly called him to wake up.
"My son, put on your clothes and follow your father."
"What's wrong?"
Chen Jiuyang's mind was still a bit groggy. It wasn't until he saw that their belongings were being packed one by one that Chen Jiuyang realized something was amiss.
"Master Gu, are you sure they are close?" Chen's father asked Master Gu with a grave expression.
Master Gu nodded slowly, "There is no sound anymore. If we want to survive, we must leave tonight."
Rumble!
It was at this moment that Chen Jiuyang's spine chilled and his scalp tingled. He finally understood.
Yes, there was no sound anymore!
In the dark night, Chenyu Town was incredibly quiet, yet fires were lit everywhere.
Every household was packing their belongings and preparing to leave.
"My son, sit on the carriage with your mother. Don't be mischievous and run around."
Chen's father carried Chen Jiuyang to the carriage. Inside the carriage were Chen's mother and the flustered and uneasy Li Yatou.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!"
Piercing screams could be heard from dozens of miles away. Chen Jiuyang lifted the curtain, searching for the direction of the screams.
A crimson light, almost reaching the sky, illuminated dozens of miles away.
That was Qingcheng County!
"The year is Jiazi, and malevolent spirits run rampant."
Master Gu sighed and, leading the Chen family, fled for their lives overnight.
There were no neon lights, no tall buildings, no cars honking their horns to return home.
In the pitch-black night, they could only advance by the light of the moon and stars.
The forest ended, revealing a mountain. The mountain had a small opening, as if emitting light.
Initially, it was very narrow, only allowing one person to pass. After walking several hundred steps, it suddenly opened up.