C417 Byebye

In Great Leaf Village, some of the older folks have pondered over Rice's eating habits but haven't come to any conclusions. They can only say that Rice has an incredible digestive ability, turning food directly into energy.

"Mr. Zhengyang, you should eat too!" Rice said, handing Woo Zhengyang a piece of meat.

Woo Zhengyang smiled as he took it, but after a few bites, he found it tasteless.

After days of contemplation, Woo Zhengyang decided it was time to leave Great Leaf Village. He didn't have much time and couldn't truly integrate into the village. Even if he did, there wasn't a complete Body Tempering Technique available here. So, he resolved to venture out and explore new opportunities.

Despite this decision, he felt a deep reluctance to leave Great Leaf Village. In just a few days, he had experienced a warmth and sense of home he'd never felt before. The villagers were incredibly kind to him. Even Liu Dahu and his friends, who seemed to underestimate him, only did so because of his apparent lack of strength in a world where power is everything. With his temperament, Woo Zhengyang didn't mind.

What made leaving hardest was Rice. Over this time, he and Rice had spent nearly every moment together, with Rice often clinging to him. In his heart, Woo Zhengyang had come to see Rice as a little sister.

Rice pouted angrily, her little face etched in Woo Zhengyang's memory. He recalled how she flailed in the air before landing in his arms, and how she bit her finger, drooling at the smell of meat.

"Zhengyang, what's on your mind?" Auntie Sun noticed his distraction and asked with concern.

"Nothing much," Woo Zhengyang replied with a smile, though his eyes betrayed his reluctance.

"If something's bothering you, just say it. Keeping it inside won't help."

"Really, it's nothing. I'm just thinking of taking a trip outside the village," Woo Zhengyang admitted.

"Is it that rascal Dahu giving you trouble again? Don't worry, I'll give him a piece of my mind when I get home! No, I'll do it right now," said Dahu's mother, standing up, ready to confront him.

Woo Zhengyang quickly stopped her, explaining, "No, Auntie Liu, it's not that. I just want to explore a bit."

"Zhengyang, are you leaving? Won't you play with me anymore?" Rice asked, her big eyes welling up with tears, even forgetting about the meat.

Woo Zhengyang wanted to explain, but seeing Rice's expression, he couldn't bring himself to speak. He hadn't realized how much she depended on him.

"Zhengyang, please don't go. Little Rice loves playing with you. If you stay, I promise I won't climb on your shoulders or pull your ears anymore... boo hoo..."

As she spoke, Little Rice began to cry, her tears falling like pearls onto the piece of meat she held, making a soft pattering sound.

Seeing Little Rice's tears, Woo Zhengyang felt a pang of sadness. Ignoring the grease on her face and hands, he pulled her into a hug.

He wanted to say he wouldn't leave, but reason told him he couldn't make that promise. In the end, Woo Zhengyang said nothing.

When the village heard Woo Zhengyang was leaving, the mood at the dinner party turned somber. The people here were simple and kind-hearted, sharing meals and clothes like one big family. In their rugged lives, they had faced many unavoidable farewells due to death, but not this kind of parting.

Over the past few days, Woo Zhengyang had been a bit out of it, yet he was accepted by everyone. Now, hearing he was leaving, the folks of Great Leaf Village felt reluctant to see him go.

Even Liu Dahu came over and said, "You with your little bit of strength, why not stay in the village instead of going out there to risk your life?"

Though his tone still carried a hint of dissatisfaction with Woo Zhengyang's frailty, his intention to persuade him to stay was clear.

Finally, the Old Village Chief came over. After learning that Woo Zhengyang was planning to venture into the outer world, the Old Village Chief didn't try too hard to persuade him to stay.

Early the next morning, Sun Li appeared in the courtyard where Woo Zhengyang was temporarily staying. He handed Woo a wooden sword and a piece of animal hide. "Your strength should be enough to fly with a sword now. My dad wanted me to give this to you," Sun Li said. His father was the Old Village Chief of Great Leaf Village.

Woo Zhengyang took the animal hide and saw it contained the transcription of the "Sky Flight Technique." It was something he had always dreamed of, and now it was his so easily. Yet, Woo Zhengyang couldn't find joy in it.

"My dad also wanted me to tell you, if you have a home, it's best to go back. If not, Great Leaf Village will be your home. When you're tired of wandering the outer world, come back home."

In any world, whether past or present, the decline of families, the destruction of villages, even the fall of cities and nations, are common occurrences. When Woo Zhengyang first appeared before the villagers, he had been battling demonic beasts for many days. The people of Great Leaf Village didn't question his origins, treating him as a wanderer, which is why the Old Village Chief spoke as he did.

"In this world, Great Leaf Village is my home. If I get the chance, I will definitely return!" Woo Zhengyang said firmly.

After saying goodbye to Sun Li, Woo Zhengyang headed toward the village entrance. He didn't have the courage to say farewell to Rice, fearing that seeing her tears would weaken his resolve to leave.

Though deep down, he truly considered Great Leaf Village his home, Woo Zhengyang knew he couldn't stay here peacefully. In another world, members of the Profound Heaven Sect were surrounded and in danger.

The rain continued to fall as Woo Zhengyang donned his hat and stepped into the downpour. As he passed by the banana tree, he faintly heard Rice's cries from behind. Hardening his resolve, Woo Zhengyang didn't look back and kept moving forward.

"Whoosh..."

He hadn't gone far when a streak of light approached rapidly from the distance. As it drew closer, Woo Zhengyang saw it was a young man in silver clothing, riding a flying sword at a speed far beyond what a beginner like Rice could achieve.

This newcomer was clearly someone of considerable means, as evidenced by his silver attire. Despite flying through the rain without activating any protective aura, his clothes remained dry, indicating they were no ordinary garments—likely a treasure.

While Woo Zhengyang assessed the young man, the stranger lowered his sword and approached him. Even when he was just a few yards away, the young man showed no intention of stopping, heading straight for Woo Zhengyang. As he closed in, he lifted a foot from the sword, aiming a kick at Woo Zhengyang's chest...

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