บท 29: Chapter 59- The Disappearances
The journey of Juanxiu, Siyi, Liu Peng, and Chang Bao became much slower as they had to make sure that Chang Bao was safe and comfortable. Chang Bao initially felt like he was a burden, but the trio made sure to ease his worries.
"Don't worry, Chang Bao," Juanxiu said with a smile. "We don't mind the slower pace. We actually enjoy the journey. It's been a long time since we used this road, and it's nice to see some things never change."
Siyi nodded in agreement, "And it's also good to see things that have changed. No one have control over the journey, so we might as well enjoy it."
Liu Peng added, "Besides, we couldn't just leave you in that village by yourself. You're part of our group now."
Chang Bao looked at the three with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you for making me feel like I'm not a burden," he said softly.
Juanxiu ruffled the boy's hair, "You're not a burden, Chang Bao. You're part of the team now."
The four of them continued their journey, taking in the sights and sounds of the road. They laughed and talked, enjoying each other's company and making new memories. The presence of Chang Bao added a new layer to their journey, but it was a welcome change. Siyi seemed happier now that Chang Bao was a part of their group. Juanxiu thought that perhaps this will be good for her.
The group had to make several stops during their journey due to the limited endurance of young Chang Bao. It was clear that he was not used to the rigors of traveling. But they persevered and managed to find ways to make the journey more comfortable for him.
One night, they set up camp near a beautiful waterfall where they fished for salmon. The soothing sounds of the falling water and the peace of the wilderness made them forget about the troubles of the world for a moment. They feasted on the fresh fish that they caught, and Chang Bao's spirits seemed to lift as he saw the joy that the small adventure brought to the group.
Another night, they hunted a wild boar that they cooked for their dinner. The fire crackled and the delicious aroma of the roasting meat filled the air. The four of them sat around the fire, telling stories and laughing. They were like a family, and young Chang Bao was part of that.
One day, they stumbled upon a newly built town. This town was built by a merchant group known as the Golden Alabaster Organization, and it was situated close to a hunting ground, making it a popular trading place for beast's body parts and alchemical ingredients.
As they approached the new town, Siyi, Juanxiu, and Liu Peng were all amazed by the sight before them. The town was bustling with activity, and merchants from all over the world could be seen trading their wares.
"This must be the Golden Alabaster Organization," Liu Peng said, pointing to a large sign hanging over one of the shops. "I've heard of them before. They're a powerful merchant group that deals in all sorts of exotic goods."
"And they've set up shop here," Juanxiu said, marveling at the sight. "I wonder what kind of goods they have."
"We should check it out," Siyi said, her curiosity piqued. "And maybe stay here for a while. This place seems like a safe haven for us."
"I agree," Liu Peng said. "We could use a break from our journey and rest up for a bit."
And so, the trio made their way to a cozy inn near the center of town. The innkeeper was a friendly man, and he welcomed them with open arms.
"This place is just what we needed," Juanxiu said, stretching out on his bed.
"I couldn't agree more," Siyi said, settling in beside him. "It's good to finally be able to rest and recuperate."
"And who knows," Liu Peng added with a grin. "Maybe we'll even find some useful goods here at the Golden Alabaster Organization."
Liu Peng approached the innkeeper, a portly man with a warm smile, and asked about the town. "Welcome to our little corner of the world," the innkeeper said cheerily. "What brings you folks to our town?"
Liu Peng explained their situation and their need for a place to rest and recuperate. The innkeeper listened intently and nodded understandingly. "You and your companions seem like good people," he said. "You'll find that our town is safe, free from the dangers of the outside world."
As they continued their conversation, the innkeeper shared some of the history of the town and the Golden Alabaster Organization. Liu Peng was fascinated by the organization and asked more about it. "They're a powerful group of merchants," the innkeeper explained. "They've built this town and provide for its residents, but in exchange, they expect loyalty and obedience."
"I see," Liu Peng said thoughtfully. "We'll have to be careful then."
"Indeed," the innkeeper said with a nod. "But don't let that discourage you from enjoying your stay. Our town has much to offer, and I'm sure you'll find it to be a welcome respite from your travels."
With that, Liu Peng thanked the innkeeper and made his way back to the room where Juanxiu and Chang Bao were waiting. Siyi, meanwhile, was already in her room, enjoying her much-needed bath.
It was still early, but the four of them were already feeling the effects of their journey. Exhausted from the long walk and the events of the day, they decided to retire to their rooms for some rest.
Later in the evening, as the sun began to set, the four of them emerged from their rooms, ready for dinner. They made their way to the inn's dining area, where the aroma of cooking food filled the air.
As they were enjoying their orders, Juanxiu suddenly remembered something. "Wait a minute, I want to try the specialty of this place. What is it?" he asked the waiter.
The waiter from the inn smiled. "Well, sir, our specialty is a dish called the 'Wildfire Boar'. It's a slow-cooked roast made from a breed of boar that is native to these parts. It is known for its tender meat and unique, spicy flavor," the waiter explained.
Juanxiu's eyes lit up. "Wildfire Boar, you say? That sounds fantastic. We'll have that, along with a few other dishes," he said.
The waiter nodded and took the rest of their orders. Soon, the table was filled with dishes like 'Misty Mountain Trout' cooked in a creamy herb sauce, 'Eagle's Talon Mushrooms' sautéed with garlic and shallots, and 'Flame Pepper Steak' with a fiery red pepper marinade.
As Juanxiu, Liu Peng, Siyi, and Chang Bao enjoyed their dinner, they couldn't help but overhear a conversation between the plump female servant and the waiter.
Plump Female Servant: "Do you remember that missing person case from the Xiao family?"
Waiter: "Yes, I do. What about it?"
Plump Female Servant: "Well, one of their servants was talking about a curse that needed to be cleansed before she went missing."
Waiter: "A curse? That sounds ominous. I hope they find the missing person soon."
Plump Female Servant: "Me too. It's such a small town, it's hard to imagine anyone disappearing without a trace."
Juanxiu, Liu Peng, and Siyi exchanged glances, listening closely to the conversation. They knew that the reason why Liu Peng recommended staying in this inn was to gather information.
Chang Bao couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was exactly what had happened in their own town weeks before the disappearance of the entire population. A beggar from Yinhui village had warned the townspeople about a curse, claiming that they needed to turn away from their wrongdoings or they would be punished by the heavens. But since he was only a beggar, the townspeople didn't take him seriously.
However, two days later, more and more people started to express the same belief about the curse, and it quickly became a cult. Chang Bao couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine as he remembered the events in his own town.
Juanxiu noticed the change in Chang Bao's expression and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I just remembered something that happened in our own town," Chang Bao replied, still looking shaken. "The same thing happened before the disappearance of the entire population. It's like history is repeating itself."
Liu Peng, who had been quiet all this time, spoke up. "We need to find out more about this. I think it's safe to say that this is more than just a coincidence."
Siyi nodded in agreement. "We should ask around and see if anyone else knows anything."
Liu Peng approached the plump female servant, who was wiping down a table with a damp cloth. "Excuse me, miss," Liu Peng said, "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation about the missing people. May I ask for more information about it?"
The female servant looked up at Liu Peng, sizing him up. "What do you want to know, stranger?" she asked warily.
Liu Peng smiled reassuringly. "I am just curious. You see, I'm always a fan of mystery cases. I also love hearing stories about missing person. Who knows, I may stumble upon a clue that will help find that person."
The female servant nodded, her expression softening. "Well, a servant from the Xiao family went missing a few days ago. She was talking about a curse that needed to be cleansed before she disappeared. People have been talking about it ever since. Some believe it's just superstition, while others think it's a serious matter."
Liu Peng frowned. "A curse? What kind of curse?"
The female servant shrugged. "No one knows for sure."
Liu Peng nodded, his expression serious. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch of earth coins. "Thank you for your information, miss. Here, take these coins as a token of my gratitude."
The female servant's eyes lit up as she saw the coins. "Oh, thank you, sir! That's very generous of you."
Liu Peng was about to return to his table when they heard a loud commotion of people shouting outside. They rushed over to the window to see a group of people praying on the street, encouraging others to join them and turn away from their sins.
"What's going on out there?" Liu Peng asked the female servant.
She shook her head. "I don't know. It's been happening more and more lately. People have been praying in the streets, saying that the curse will be lifted if everyone turns away from their wrongdoings."
The members of the cult had a strange and eerie appearance. Their eyes were filled with a fanatical gleam and their movements were jerky and erratic, as if they were possessed. They were dressed in tattered robes, and their hair was unkempt, giving them a wild and chaotic appearance.
Some of them had strange tattoos etched onto their skin, which seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy. They were chanting in a guttural language that was unfamiliar to Liu Peng, and the sound of it sent shivers down his spine. The air around them was thick with an almost palpable sense of dread, and it was clear to Liu Peng that something was deeply wrong with these people.
Chang Bao's hands shook as he grabbed his cup of tea. He remembered how, in his town, people had started praying on the streets and urging others to join them and repent. The sight of the devout followers, with their hollow eyes and ecstatic expressions, had sent shivers down his spine. The same thing was happening right now in this very town.
He leaned over to Liu Peng and whispered, "This is exactly what happened in our town before it disappeared." Liu Peng nodded gravely, his expression serious. The two of them sat in silence, contemplating the situation and trying to figure out what to do next.
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