Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 663 - 328 Conspiracy_2
Seeing this, Xiao Chenxiang leapt from his home and charged forward as if the wind sprouted beneath his feet, but no matter how fast his legs carried him, they could not match wings, and he soon lost sight of them.
By the time he returned to the village, this normally peaceful place was cloaked in sorrow, the kidnapping of two children having devastated a happy family.
The family had plunged into deep grief, the children's mother wailing and incessantly calling their names, a scene so sorrowful it moved all who heard it to tears.
"Da Zhu, take your wife downstairs to calm down a bit. Let's discuss what to do next," the old village chief instructed one man to help the sobbing woman down, and by then, all the notable figures of the village had gathered.
"Let's discuss this. What should we do?" the village chief said with a light sigh.
"What else can we do? The children have already been taken, and that spells certain death. Let's all chip in and prepare for the funeral. As for not having their bodies, we should erect shrouded tombs for the two children," stated an old man decisively.
Having seen too much death in his lifetime, the old man's heart was as still as an ancient well, not fluctuating in the slightest due to the disappearance of the two children.
No sooner had he spoken than everyone stirred, considering it the best available course of action. They were mere mortals after all, and the ominous crow was clearly a creature of legend. Even if they went searching, it would only mean throwing their lives away in vain.
"But those are still children. Can we just do nothing?" Liu Yanchang, also present, couldn't help but question.
As the village's intellectual, naturally holding a high status, his presence was essential for such significant matters.
"Mr. Liu, don't be soft-hearted like a woman. That's a demon, not a mere bandit. We're all just ordinary people. What can we do? As for the children's parents, time will eventually heal their wounds. Once they have more children, they will be able to move on," the old man replied softly, having witnessed many such events in his life.
Liu Yanchang glanced around and saw the indifferent faces of everyone present, as if the life and death of the two children mattered little to them. This realization filled him with sadness, but he was also keenly aware that the elders were right. He had seen firsthand the fearsome prowess of the demon.
"I've heard that there are mages in this world capable of subduing demons. We could perhaps invite one to see if they can conquer this demon. I am very afraid that the demon might consider this place its hunting ground in the future," suddenly, an elder spoke up.
Liu Yanchang could clearly see that the expression of everyone present changed at these words because the scenario the elder described was highly plausible and could lead to a terrible disaster.
"It's easy to say, but those who truly possess such skills are hard to find. Most are charlatans, and engaging them could lead to loss of both money and dignity," someone interjected disdainfully. The world was indeed full of pretenders, boasting and deceiving in abundance, making it difficult to discern the genuine from the spurious.
"Then what are we to do? Sit here and wait for death? Allow the demon to corral us like livestock?"
As the two argued, a panicked voice came from outside: "It's bad, it's bad, Xiao Chenxiang has gone to confront the demon."
Everyone was startled and quickly turned their gazes toward Liu Yanchang, only to find him unmoved, sitting still. After a long moment, he sighed and said, "Let him go!"
Liu Yanchang knew well that Xiao Chenxiang was destined not to be an ordinary person. Thus, when he discovered Xiao Chenxiang secretly following someone to learn magic, he did not stop him, understanding that his son was not one to cease his practice just because he forbade it.
Sooner or later, his son would face his destiny, and he could not stand in his way, especially since he carried the Divine Blood of the Third Holy Mother in his veins.
"Third Holy Mother, please protect Xiao Chenxiang. Keep him safe from harm," Liu Yanchang prayed silently, gazing at the ceiling.
At that very moment, beneath Mountain Hua, the Third Holy Mother sensed Xiao Chenxiang's departure and a sudden panic surged in her heart.
"Brother, please let me go, Chenxiang might be in danger!" the Third Holy Mother pleaded earnestly.
"You cannot go anywhere. Since you have done this, you naturally should be prepared to accept this fate. Third Mother, you are no longer a child," Yang Jian's voice arose not far away, the protector of the Taoist Sect, the War God of the Three Realms, yet his face showed nothing but disappointment.
"But Chenxiang, he..." The Third Holy Mother, deeply concerned for her child, sensed through her cultivation that a conspiracy was enveloping Chenxiang.
"That is his destiny, a fate already destined from the moment you gave birth to him, all brought upon by you," Yang Jian said coldly.
Tears streamed down the corners of the Third Holy Mother's eyes. She knew her brother was right; Chenxiang's fate had been sealed the moment she, moved by mortal desires, had plotted with their high and mighty uncle.
Seeing the Third Holy Mother crying her heart out, Yang Jian's expression softened. How could he bear to see his sister, who had grown up depending on him, so heartbroken?
"It's all because I have spoiled you too much, making you unable to see the reality of the situation, thus leading to this bitter outcome. However, rest assured, Chenxiang is a disciple of Lu Yu; he will be fine."
At Yang Jian's words, a look of surprise appeared on the Third Holy Mother's face. The name Lu Yu was renowned throughout the Three Realms; more than his strength, people admired his ability to mentor disciples. Having such a person as Chenxiang's mentor was indeed the best possible thing.
And the Tea Saint, known for his deep love for his disciples, would surely not let Chenxiang suffer too much.
"For now, you should reflect on yourself here. If Chenxiang proves capable, he will naturally rescue you, but if he fails, then it's all due to your own fault," Yang Jian said, his expression easing a bit before he turned and left.
At this very moment, Chenxiang had embarked on a journey alone to rescue his friend, his first time venturing so far from home. Determining the direction the Demon had taken, he stepped forward with firm strides.
Unnoticed by him, a cloud named Auspicious Clouds floated above, bearing two figures, Lu Yu and Liu Qingyun.
"Master, this must be another of that Demon's tricks," Liu Qingyun commented, looking at Chenxiang's retreating figure.
Lu Yu nodded lightly, "Of course, who else but him? This fellow wants to escape the seal using the power of the Precious Lotus Lantern; it's a trap."
"Damn it, should I go down and take care of him to avoid further trouble?"
"Don't rush, this is also a test for Chenxiang. He is different from you; he carries a heavy burden. If he is not thoroughly tempered, how will he ever rescue his own mother? Let's quietly watch how he faces this harsh reality," Lu Yu stopped Liu Qingyun from acting, speaking gently.
Liu Qingyun nodded, peering through the barriers of space, he saw Xiao Chenxiang's resolute and determined face, a tinge of sympathy appearing on his face, feeling the heavy responsibility this young boy was about to shoulder.
"I just hope the little disciple can meet the expectations!"
Xiao Chenxiang walked alone through the silent woods, surrounded by desolation and the roars of wild beasts, and even saw wandering will-o'-the-wisps flickering through the woods.
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Loneliness and solitude gnawed at Xiao Chenxiang's tender heart like a Poison Snake, but this child, remarkably resilient in spirit, gradually overcame these negative emotions and kept moving forward, his head held high, vowing to rescue his friend.
Perhaps moved by his will, the journey turned out to be exceptionally smooth, as if someone had already arranged everything.
