Chapter 51: Strange Praise
They arrived back at Hufeng City, where the lively festival died down. Fear and anxiety covered the faces of the citizens, but the moment the three cultivators entered the city, cheers resonated the despondent streets.
The worried faces suddenly lit up in expectance of their report. Long Wen explained the whole situation to the citizens, and they all cheered and cried in relief.
"Lin Yuhe!" a girl cried out.
Yu Xuelan saw the girls who were trapped underground, gathered in a group. She smiled in relief when she saw Meixiang and Yue standing amongst the crowd unharmed.
"You're all safe!" Yu Xuelan beamed with joy.
Yue ran towards the black-robed girl and bowed deeply to express her gratitude.
"It's all thanks to you all."
"The moment we arrived back at Hufeng City, we informed everyone about the situation about the Earth Demon God and the kidnappings," Meixiang informed and walked towards Xuelan. "Everyone was so worried that something might've happened to you all."
Yu Xuelan chuckled, "Thank you."
"Ah, is there a way we can repay you?" Meixiang asked.
Yu Xuelan turned back to Wu Zhitian, who was still carrying the unconscious girl, and pointed at her.
"Is it alright if you guys look after her until she recovers?" Yu Xuelan requested, though she noticed Meixiang was avoiding Wu Zhitian's eyes as she was afraid of making eye contact.
Yu Xuelan walked closer to the anxious girl, blocking her view from Wu Zhitian, hoping to make her feel more comfortable.
"You two are from HaiShen Yu, right? Your healing skills should be the strongest out of everyone here. Please look after my sister."
Yue's eyes lit with hints of confidence. Although still timid, she responded loud and clear, "Yes! we'll make sure to treat her well!"
"Thank you," Yu Xuelan bowed.
Wu Zhitian handed her the unconscious girl and Yue received the girl with trembling hands before carrying Lin Changying away.
Long Wen walked towards the chattering bunch and reported, "Lin Yuhe, Sect Master Wu, I'm going to head to the lord's manor to notify the incident from tonight. I will bid you farewell for now."
She bowed and walked away hurriedly, not even allowing the other party to say anything back.
"Are Master Wu and his disciple going back already?! Please stay longer!" A man pleaded.
"Yeah! We need to celebrate this great one's success in helping the city from the misery!"
"Please don't leave yet! We need to return your kindness."
"Yeah, we'll have a grander festival just for these heroes!"
The citizens begged the cultivators to stay, giving them unlimited amounts of praise and cheers. This made Yu Xuelan shiver, almost cringing.
From a demonic witch to a hero was just too much of a jump.
Yu Xuelan laughed dismissively, trying to calm their roars of joy.
Wu Zhitian shook his head and said, "We are going to head back."
"Mn, I'm kind of tired," Yu Xuelan added.
"Alright! Would you like to rest until morning rises or leave now? It is getting quite dark after all." A man suggested.
"How about we just stay here for a while? We can leave after I talk to Lin Changying," Yu Xuelan whispered to Wu Zhitian, and he nodded.
The man exclaimed in joy, "It doesn't matter! Stay as long as you want! What are you doing?! Hurry and get a carriage for these saviours!"
"We're going to have a celebration right now. Why don't Sect Master Wu and his disciple walk around until the carriage arrives?"
"I'm going to see Lin Changying, there's something I need to ask her."
He gave another nod, and Yu Xuelan grinned. "I'll be back fast!"
...
Yue led Yu Xuelan into a small residence where they ascended the steps of the first floor. As soon as Xuelan entered the hall, antiqued furniture and ornaments filled the area, and the scent of incense made one's head feel above the clouds.
"Your sister is in here," Yue said and pointed to a small bed-chamber.
Yu Xuelan walked in slowly, making sure she didn't collide with anything. The only light source in that room would be the single candle that lied on the table beside the bed Lin Changying slept in.
"Thank you."
Yu Xuelan bowed as Yue walked off, closing the door behind her.
Lin Changying slept on the bed with her head faced towards the wall, silent. Yu Xuelan looked around the room for a chair and sat herself down.
Her eyelids slightly lowered as she studied the girl that was supposedly sleeping. "Are you alright?"
The room was deathly quiet, seeing as how the girl remained silently still. Only the trickles and drips of the candle wax could be apprehended if one was to listen closely.
Yu Xuelan waited patiently for the girl to speak. Although the loud cheers and joyful music filled the outside, the room continued to dye itself in pure darkness. Despite the darkness, it was quite a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Perhaps it was because of the serenity of the birds' songs from afar, making Yu Xuelan quite drowsy.
She blinked to wake herself up and spoke again, sighing, "Lin Changying, I know you're not sleeping."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone