For him, Fog Lamp Village was always the least conspicuous among the countless human settlents he had passed in the past and would pass in the future. Once the collection of Fog Lamp Grass was complete, there was no reason to linger or make contact again.
The so-called return... when the entire village combined might not be worth more than the equipnt on him, it didn’t seem to have much significance anymore.
He nodded slightly, indicating he understood their expression of gratitude, then shifted the topic, asking Aspen in front of him:
"So are you planning to succeed the village chief and stay in Fog Lamp Village?"
Upon hearing this, the silent and steadfast middle-aged man nodded.
"The sacrificial ritual has long beco a lie, there’s no need to hold it anymore, but they..."
Aspen’s gaze instinctively glanced at the villagers silently watching them.
"Without a sufficiently determined leader, it would be hard to defy the inertia that has beco tradition over the years."
"I will lead Fog Lamp Village out of the mire."
Aspen’s daughter died in the sacrificial ritual, and upon learning the truth, his emotions were incredibly complex.
Yet, as he once painfully chose the continuation of the village over the life of his loved ones under the extre pressure from the village chief, Aspen also harbored a profound attachnt to this village and the land that nurtured him.
Despite the remorse and annoyance, truly leaving alone at such a crucial mont that determines the village’s future fate... Aspen couldn’t do it.
Without comnting on this middle-aged man’s choice, Xia Nan turned his gaze towards Dong Shu and Lilia beside him.
"You two..."
"We will leave here." Covered in dust, Dong Shu resolutely stated, "Lilia and I have discussed it... to River Valley Town!"
The young girl beside him nodded silently, probably having already discussed it during their wait at the canyon gates.
"River Valley Town?" Xia Nan slightly raised his eyebrows, looking at the young man who had just encountered upheaval, "What do you plan to do there?"
Dong Shu raised his head, his eyes shimring with a mix of pain and hope, his lips parted, uttering those words Xia Nan had already anticipated:
"Adventurer."
He sighed inwardly.
As a Senior Adventurer himself, he had a profound understanding of the high mortality rate within this profession and the difficulties involved.
In a sense, Xia Nan quite admired this reckless yet courageous young man before him and respected his choice.
But he didn’t wish to hear the news of Dong Shu’s death in so tavern chatter or see him drunk and collapsed at a casino entrance late at night.
However, from the perspective of the two in front of him, given the current situation in Fog Lamp Village, even with Aspen’s care, having escaped the sacrificial ritual and angered the Canyon Spirit, Dong Shu and Lilia would face unpleasant attitudes until the villagers completely freed themselves from the age-old ignorant customs.
Staying in the village would only lead to rejection and indifference.
Considering this, thinking the adventurer path wasn’t the best option, Xia Nan hesitated for a mont and reminded:
"Are you certain?"
"This path... is not easy."
"I know." Dong Shu nodded heavily, "I’ve heard about the risks of the adventurer profession and understand the challenges it may entail."
"Rest assured, I won’t overestimate myself."
"Once in River Valley Town, the two of us plan to first find so odd jobs to sustain ourselves while looking for opportunities to gather information about adventurers. Once we have a detailed understanding of the industry, I’ll consider entering or finding another path."
With limited ti, these two young people couldn’t possibly devise a thorough plan.
But seeing that Dong Shu was not blindly entering the profession just because of admiration for adventurers’ abilities and wealth, but rather had his own plan, Xia Nan felt slightly relieved.
To be honest, if they were just looking for a livelihood, River Valley Town, bustling with generous adventurers and rchants year-round among nearby regions, is indeed a good choice.
Heading to a strange town might be dangerous for those with nothing, yet it’s a path that allows them to control their destiny.
In fact, compared with Abi, who had no combat training and hails from the countryside, Dong Shu followed Aspen for years as a Hunter, trained diligently daily, and has so foundation.
If they could find a good team, adjust and gain experience, taking on simple goblin eradication tasks might be enough for him and Lilia to live a relatively decent life in River Valley Town.
It could be a way out.
He refrained from saying more, just nodded slightly:
"As long as you have plans."
Aspen seed like he had anticipated Dong Shu’s decision.
His robust palm landed heavily on the young man’s shoulder, speaking with a mix of contemplation and seriousness:
"Be careful with everything, don’t be reckless!"
"If it feels too difficult, co back. With here... others certainly won’t embarrass you in front of ."
Dong Shu nodded solemnly, seemingly suppressing his emotions without reply, his body trembling lightly.
"Don’t rush to leave, co back with first."
"After all these years, you’ve reached the level of graduating. I have a few things left to give you back."
Standing aside, listening to them dealing with arrangents.
Knowing this short adventure’s wrap-up work was mostly done, it was ti to say goodbye.
Xia Nan tightened the backpack with Fog Lamp Grass on his back, preparing to bid farewell and leave.
But noticed Dong Shu suddenly showed hesitation and embarrassnt, as if he wanted to say sothing but didn’t dare to speak.
After inquiring, the freckled-faced boy before him shyly requested Xia Nan:
"Mr. Xia Nan, you know... the journey from Fog Lamp Village to River Valley Town is quite far, and we might pass through the outskirts of Mist Forest."
"Of course, it’s not a problem for you, but if it were and Lilia, it might be much more dangerous along the way."
"So I was wondering... might it be possible... to bring us two along on your return journey..."
"Rest assured, we promise to behave and not cause you trouble!"
"We’ll definitely pay you the appropriate reward!"
Saying this, his voice, initially louder due to the assurance, suddenly turned weaker, sounding less confident.
"But we might need to delay it a little while, wait until we earn money in town before paying you back."
Thinking it was so critical matter, hearing Dong Shu say this, Xia Nan waved his hand casually, signaling not to worry too much.
He directly agreed to the request.
Though delayed by two days due to the sacrificial ritual in Fog Lamp Village, earlier ti savings on the journey ant he’s well ahead with ample ti, still far from the task deadline.
Already planning to return, bringing two more people wasn’t hard for Xia Nan, rely a convenient act.
Even if so troubleso issues arose mid-journey, he had enough room for error.
"Then let’s return to your village first, I also need to replenish so supplies."
"We’ll set off together the next morning."
Upon hearing this, Dong Shu and Lilia revealed joyous expressions on their faces, the youthful vigor and hopeful anticipation of the future, never shown in the canyon.
The horizon’s edge was tinged with twilight, shadows stretched long under the sunset, cast against the ground in the direction opposite the village.
Behind them were dim hollows with barely visible dilapidated wooden houses, bewildered villagers, and past nightmares;
Ahead was the swaying branches in the wind, the brilliant twilight, the unknown journey, and distant hope.
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