Chapter Nine: Returning to Her Parental Home

Not only was Chu Qingsong anxious, but Madam Liu and Chu Qingbai, who were tied up, were just as worried! Yet, on second thought, if Gu Xiaoyao truly escaped, they would have a perfect excuse to extort the Gu family. The prospect of turning two taels of silver into six, or even ten, made the two of them beam with delight in their hearts.

Who was Gu Xiaoyao? In the apocalyptic world, she survived for ten years with a plant-based ability others deemed useless. This was not just due to her skill at escaping, but also her keen sensitivity to others’ emotions. Whenever she interacted with someone, she could instantly discern whether they harbored ill intent.

“Chengjin’s wife, are you heading down the mountain?” Aunt Dou’s home was nestled by the hillside, and she spotted Gu Xiaoyao as she was feeding her chicks in the yard.

“Yes, Auntie. I’m going back to visit my family,” Gu Xiaoyao replied, taking the original owner’s wishes seriously. Since the original wished for her mother and brother to live well by her side, she would bring them here now. As long as they stayed with her, they would not starve.

“That’s right, it’s good to check on your family. Who knows when Chengjin will return, and you’ve suffered so much—you have to go back alone.” Traditionally, a newlywed bride would visit her family three days after the wedding, but with Chu Chengjin’s whereabouts unknown, no one could say when he would be home.

Aunt Dou felt that after all the humiliation Gu Xiaoyao had endured yesterday, she was right to return to her family and speak her grievances.

“It’s all right, Auntie. I’ll return your basket when I’m back.” Gu Xiaoyao wasn’t used to chatting, so after saying this, she quickly waved goodbye and headed down the mountain.

Chu Qingbai had spoken the truth: there were indeed many wild beasts in the mountains, as well as countless unknown insects. It was no wonder no one from outside was willing to marry into Lotus Village. Life here was so harsh that only those accustomed to it would stay; outsiders could hardly bear it. The dense forests, the treacherous mountain paths—no one knew how long it would take to make the round trip.

Carrying her basket, Gu Xiaoyao looked at the abundance of edible plants and marveled at this paradise hidden in the mountains. She quietly activated her plant ability, though her current range was limited to three meters. Even so, it allowed her to accomplish much: rabbit burrows hidden in the undergrowth, bird nests perched in the branches—all sources of food.

She dared not exhaust her powers, however. She still had a long way to go, and if she collapsed here, she would become food for the wild beasts. Her body was terribly weak; after only ten li, she was already panting for breath.

Suddenly, a metallic clash of blades rang out from the forest. Gu Xiaoyao’s ears pricked up as she halted, quickly discerning the direction of the sound.

“You can’t run any further. If you surrender now, I might let you off easy.” The rough man’s voice carried a note of triumph, as if he already controlled the fate of those before him.

Gu Xiaoyao had no desire to meddle in others’ affairs, especially now, but the two groups were blocking her only path down the mountain. Swiftly and silently, she climbed a tree, hiding herself among the thick leaves to observe below.

“Kill!” Ordered the man opposing the rough one. At his command, his followers leapt forth, engaging the rough man’s group in fierce combat.

Watching the scene below, Gu Xiaoyao lightly wiped her chin with her fingers, pondering whether this might be the perfect opportunity to pick up something valuable amidst the chaos.