Heaven-Collapsing Start [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Clear-to-the-bottom waters gurgle and flow through the mountain stream, like a shimmering galaxy winding its way through the woods.

Visible from afar, standing beside acre after acre of fields, are wooden houses one after another. This is a tranquil small village, nestled against the water, which is why the villagers named it:

Pangxi Village.

Over two months ago, a major event occurred in the village: a schoolteacher actually came to the village, teaching and passing on knowledge without asking for anything in return.

The villagers were naturally wild with joy. They collectively mobilized to build the village’s first schoolhouse, carefully instructing their children to be serious and hardworking in class, to listen to the Teacher, and not to be mischievous or cause trouble.

Whenever villagers passed by the schoolhouse and heard the rhythmic sound of reading, they would sometimes unconsciously stop in their tracks, smiles appearing on their faces.

There was only one thing: that schoolteacher’s health did not seem very good, which left these simple villagers both worried and heartbroken. Whoever hunted good meat today, or whoever dug up good medicinal herbs on the mountain, would send them all to the Teacher’s house.

However, the good times did not last. One day, two months later, the Teacher suddenly disappeared.

A-Heng, the village chief’s son who usually served the Teacher, found only a letter on the table. Presumably left by the Teacher, the letter explained the reason for his departure.

The villagers shook their heads and sighed. Although they had long anticipated that a man of such extraordinary learning could not stay in Pangxi Village forever, they hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

But unlike the villagers, who were regretful yet accepting, the youth A-Heng had followed Ji Liang for so long and had even gained the opportunity to practice martial arts. In his heart, Ji Liang was much more than just a schoolteacher.

Rather than the title of “Teacher,” A-Heng actually wanted to call Ji Liang: Master.

Consequently, he naturally recognized his Teacher’s handwriting, but the letter left on the table featured strange calligraphy that was not a letter left by the Teacher himself.

Immediately, A-Heng thought of that man who had suddenly appeared, the one claiming to be the Teacher’s brother.

However, whether the Teacher left voluntarily or by force, A-Heng had no way of knowing. Moreover, he had absolutely no idea where the Teacher had gone.

At this moment, A-Heng felt a sense of loss, because he knew nothing of the Teacher’s circumstances, to the point where he had no starting point even if he wanted to find him.

This day.

A-Heng once again habitually came to the Teacher’s house. Standing before the wooden building, A-Heng shook his head helplessly and then reached out to push open the door.

The furnishings and decorations inside were exactly the same as they were half a month ago when the Teacher left.

A-Heng stepped forward to open the window, letting fresh air flow into the room.

“Heng-ge! Is the Teacher back?”

A youth passing by outside had sparkling eyes as he shouted to A-Heng, while poking his head around as if trying to find a trace of the Teacher.

A-Heng shook his head and replied, “Not yet!”

The light in the youth’s eyes instantly dimmed, and he stopped peering around. He simply waved his hand and walked away without looking back.

Indeed, on this day, half a month after the Teacher’s departure, everyone still missed him dearly.

A-Heng stood by the window for a while, reached out to close it again, walked out of the house, and pulled the outer door shut.

But after walking only two steps, A-Heng saw the youth who had just left returning in a rush, his face filled with shock and terror.

“Heng-ge! Run run quickly!”

In the next second, however, the desperately running youth was suddenly restrained, falling face-first onto the ground with his hands pinned behind his back.

They were two men in black, their faces masked, leaving only a pair of eyes that were cold and terrifying.

A-Heng had seen them before; those who were hunting that man and woman back then were these same black-clad figures.

…

The results of staying in the valley to continue searching for the demonic cult’s traces were unsatisfactory. Inquiries in several nearby villages also yielded nothing; the demonic cult remnants seemed to have vanished into thin air.

But that was clearly impossible. It could only be said that perhaps the Cult Leader had recovered from his injuries, which was not good news.

In the Martial Arts Alliance, a group of high-ranking officials held a discussion. Gu Yun sat in the front seat representing the Alliance Leader’s status, his eyes lowered, not saying a word.

“Those demonic cult dregs surely couldn’t have fled far.”

“Could they still be hiding in the valley? Perhaps there are secret rooms in the valley we don’t know about.”

“Could it be that someone arranged to meet those demonic cult dregs in advance?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent.

Some people stole glances at Alliance Leader Gu in the main seat.

The outspoken Fifth Brother had no reservations and immediately spoke up: “I think it must be that traitor who secretly aided the demonic cult dregs!”

As for who the “traitor” in his mouth was, everyone present knew very well in their hearts.

Hearing this, Gu Yun frowned slightly, glanced at the Fifth Brother who had stood up, and said:

“It is merely a guess. Do not jump to conclusions before there is solid evidence.”

Before the Fifth Brother could speak up again to challenge him, Elder Wang stepped forward two paces and said, “Alliance Leader, I have an idea.”

Receiving Gu Yun’s questioning gaze, Elder Wang said unhurriedly, “Since the search results are unsatisfactory, perhaps we can do the opposite and force those demonic cult dregs to reveal themselves.”

“Elder Wang means…?”

Elder Wang cupped his hands and continued, “Ji Liang can serve as bait.”

As soon as Elder Wang’s strategy was voiced, it immediately received unanimous approval from the crowd. In their minds, that traitor had once colluded with the demonic cult; if he were to appear, it might truly draw the demonic cult dregs out.

After speaking, Elder Wang looked toward Gu Yun in the main seat and said slowly:

“Alliance Leader, what do you think?”

…

Gu Yun returned to the Ji Family Villa. After a moment of silence, he eventually mentioned this matter to Ji’s father.

And Ji Yan’s answer was within expectations.

“Let him go.”

“If he can successfully lure out the demonic cult dregs, it can be considered his way of… atoning for his crimes through merit.”

Gu Yun looked at the broad and upright back in front of him, yet he wasn’t surprised to see a few strands of white hair on Ji’s father’s head, feeling a pang of heartache.

Thinking back on the events of these past few months, the ups and downs, the thrills and shocks and now that Big Brother has returned alive, it could be considered a small comfort.

Gu Yun thought with a sigh.

Thus, Ji Liang’s confinement was lifted. At the same time, a carriage stopped outside the main gate of the Ji Family Villa.

Ji’s mother wiped the moisture from the corners of her eyes, took a cloak from the maid waiting nearby, and personally draped it over Ji Liang’s shoulders, forcing a smile.

“When you are away, take good care of yourself. If you need anything, ask someone to tell me.”

Ji Liang squeezed her hand, then looked up at the silent Ji’s father, nodding slightly with a calm expression.

Then he turned around, the hem of his cloak tracing an arc in the air, and Ji Liang stepped onto the stool to enter the carriage.

The driver, dressed as a warrior, raised his whip. After a short distance, the carriage gradually drove away…

The scenery outside the window receded rapidly. Gradually, the Ji Family Villa turned into a small dot, eventually disappearing at the end of the road.

Ji Liang slowly withdrew his gaze and let go of his finger that had lifted the curtain.