Eternal Saber

The Sword Pavilion released its rankings, stirring up the Jianghu once more!

The commentary from the Sword Pavilion further skyrocketed Chen Tang’s reputation!

In past Wind and Cloud Rankings, even for the top rank, the Sword Pavilion would only list the rankings and achievements, introductions, etc., without ever writing a separate commentary.

The Sword Pavilion has always been known for its objectivity and fairness, ranking in order without personal bias.

Each ranking is examined and discussed by the experts of the Sword Pavilion before being finalized.

The commentary about Chen Tang is prominently listed in the Wind and Cloud Ranking, demonstrating the admiration of the Sword Pavilion’s people for Chen Tang.

Chen Tang and Ah Li, who had long left Wu State, also heard about the Wind and Cloud Ranking.

This matter had spread throughout the Jianghu in Nanxia.

Whether on the streets or in taverns and inns, wherever there were people, there would always be discussions about him, leaving Chen Tang with nowhere to hide.

Having lived two lifetimes, he viewed these fleeting reputations that people in the Jianghu pursued with indifference.

After leaving Wu State, the two headed in the direction of the Medical Hidden Hall in Yuezhou.

Previously, at the Langya Pavilion, Chen Tang had agreed with Su Li of the Medical Hidden Hall to visit in the future to treat Ah Li.

Shen Zhiyuan had previously gone to the Medical Hidden Hall to recuperate; it was uncertain how his injuries were doing and whether he was still there.

Yuezhou, adjacent to Wu State, also belongs to the prosperous land of the south.

However, its scenery had some distinctions.

Upon entering Yuezhou, Ah Li seemed to have something on her mind, occasionally showing a thoughtful expression as they passed certain places.

Chen Tang asked a few times, but Ah Li just shook her head without answering.

That day, when they arrived at a fork in the official road, Ah Li reined in her horse, staring at an old locust tree that several people would have to join hands to encircle, and suddenly gestured to Chen Tang, indicating they take the other path.

"Did you remember something?"

Chen Tang vaguely guessed something, his eyes brightening.

Besides wanting to treat Ah Li’s illness, he also wanted to find Ah Li’s original home.

After all, Ah Li was taken by the Dongyi Race to the Hermit Continent when she was very young.

Ah Li nodded and then shook her head, appearing uncertain.

"Let’s go and take a look!"

Chen Tang and Ah Li headed toward that fork in the road.

They walked about a dozen miles, and in the distance, they saw a small village with dozens of households, with smoke from cooking fires wafting through the dusk.

Though Ah Li’s face remained unchanged, she was clearly becoming tense inside, clutching the reins tightly and slowing her pace.

Finally, as the village came into sight, Ah Li stood several dozen meters outside the village, unwilling to move forward.

The closer to home, the more apprehensive one becomes.

Especially after being away for so many years.

Ah Li had no idea whether her parents were still well, what her home had become, whether it was still here, or how to explain herself if she faced her parents...

Chen Tang understood these feelings.

He came to Ah Li’s side, gently patting her hand to comfort her, and softly asked, "Is this the place?"

Ah Li remained silent, making no movement.

Chen Tang asked again, "Do you remember which household?"

Ah Li shook her head.

She was very young when she left home.

The memories of her parents, her home, from her childhood were shrouded in a mist, impossible to recall.

"It’s okay."

Chen Tang smiled and said, "There aren’t many households here; we can go from house to house and find it sooner or later."

Chen Tang, riding his horse, led Ah Li’s reins, guiding her into the village.

The villagers, seeing Chen Tang and Ah Li’s Jianghu attire, seemed unfazed, merely glancing at them before continuing with their lives.

The two proceeded slowly.

In front of each household, Chen Tang would give Ah Li ample time to observe.

At this time, most households were inside cooking.

In one dilapidated courtyard, a boy just over ten sat on the ground stacking stones, snot running from his nose, occasionally giggling foolishly, seeming to have some mental issues.

Ah Li observed this courtyard and the house.

"Robbers are coming!"

The boy looked up, saw Chen Tang and Ah Li, and suddenly cried out in fear, "Mom, come quickly, there are robbers!"

Soon, a woman rushed out from inside, initially glancing at Chen Tang and Ah Li, then repeatedly bowing and saying, "The child doesn’t understand, he’s heard too many stories and is speaking nonsense, please don’t take offense, honored heroes."

"It’s nothing."

Chen Tang smiled lightly.

The woman yanked the boy from the ground, both angry and anxious, and hit him a few times.

The boy cried even harder, flailing his arms, kicking and punching.

Although the boy was mentally impaired, he was as big as the woman, and she had trouble holding him.

Just then, an old man with a tousled beard ran out of the house, his skin tanned dark, exuding a simple and honest demeanor, approached and forcefully twisted the boy’s hands, growling, "You little rascal, still acting up!"

The boy seemed afraid of the man, not daring to make a sound, only sobbing quietly.

The old man nodded and smiled apologetically toward Chen Tang and Ah Li, saying, "Sorry, sorry, would the esteemed heroes like to come in for some water?"

"No, thanks."

Chen Tang shook his head slightly.

Just now, all his attention was on the three in the courtyard, so he hadn’t noticed that when Ah Li saw the woman and the old man, her expression changed significantly.

First, excitement and joy.

Then, as if recalling something, her face turned deathly pale, her eyes losing all emotion, returning to their former lifelessness.

Amidst the lifelessness, there was even a tinge of coldness.

Chen Tang was about to ask Ah Li, but she was already riding ahead.

However, as Ah Li passed by the households in the village, she did not stop.

"Why, is this not the place?"

Chen Tang asked.

Ah Li paused, nodded.

"It’s okay."

Chen Tang comforted, "We can keep looking slowly."

Ever since opening his Ear Aperture, Chen Tang’s hearing was superb; he could hear the conversations of families inside their houses in the village quite clearly.

However, the noise was overwhelming, and if he didn’t focus intentionally, it was hard to make anything out.

He sensed Ah Li’s odd behavior earlier, and couldn’t help but glance back at the courtyard they just left, listening intently.

"Old man, did you see that girl just now?"

"Yes, I saw her. Why?"

"Didn’t her eyebrows and eyes resemble...?"

"They did look alike, but don’t overthink it, it’s impossible."

"I know, I just mentioned it casually."

Chen Tang frowned slightly as he listened.

He was about to stop Ah Li, but then overheard a conversation from a neighboring house.

"That kid from Old Li’s family almost caused trouble again. He’s grown so big, yet his mind is still like a three-year-old."

"I say it’s karma. Their eldest daughter was so clever when she was young, with big, bright eyes, but after this boy was born, they schemed to sell their daughter off."

"There wasn’t much choice; those were hard times, and they couldn’t support two children."

"One more bowl and chopsticks, how could they not afford a child’s meal?"

"Mind your own business, don’t meddle with others’ affairs."

The voices gradually faded away.

Chen Tang, silent, watched Ah Li’s frail back, suddenly feeling a deep sorrow.

Zhiwei found a home.

Ah Li may never find one.