Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 418 1 Going to Lingyuan City Together

Cao Xun brought Cao Ling to Lin Feng, clasped his fists and said, "Thank you to this friend for your help. I am Cao Xun, the second elder of the Cao family in Lingyuan City, and this is my daughter, Cao Ling. If it were not for the help of a friend today, my Cao family caravan would have been wiped out. I cannot express my gratitude enough, and my Cao family will always remember this kindness." His eyes were full of sincerity and gratitude, and his tone was solemn and serious.

Cao Ling also saluted and said, "Thank you very much for saving my life, sir." Her voice was clear and pleasant, and her eyes no longer had the previous vigilance, but were full of admiration.

Lin Feng took back the Star Blade, clasped his fists in return, and said: "I am Lin Feng, you don't have to thank me, just consider it as repaying you for the meal and the favor. In this desert, everyone has times of hardship, and it is common sense to support each other." His tone was humble, making people feel that he was a man who valued friendship and loyalty.

Cao Xun said: "We may still need Brother Lin's help along the way. I am saying thank you now because I hope you can escort us to Lingyuan City. With Brother Lin here, we have a sense of security and I believe we will arrive safely." His eyes were full of expectation, hoping that Lin Feng would agree.

Lin Feng smiled and said, "It should be you who brought me to Lingyuan City. I'm new here and not familiar with the road conditions in this area. If I hadn't met you, I really don't know what to do." His smile made people feel warm and eased the previous tense atmosphere.

The three of them smiled at each other, a smile that seemed to resolve all the previous misunderstandings and conflicts. Then, they began to pack up and find a place to bury the dead. The bandits took the initiative to pull the camels, the Cao family led the way, and Lin Feng followed behind.

Under the erosion of wind and sand and the scorching sun, two days passed slowly. Like a weary camel caravan, the Cao family caravan finally entered a desolate canyon. On either side of the canyon were towering, steep, and precipitous stone walls. The stone was a bluish-gray color, covered with wrinkles and cracks from the passage of time, like cold faces, silently telling of the vicissitudes of life. Between the stone walls, bits of hard loess clung tenaciously, trembling in the wind, as if ready to be blown away at any moment, leaving behind only a desolate and lonely scene.

For the two days of the journey, Lin Feng seemed shrouded in a veil of mystery, remaining silent and taciturn. He walked alone at the front of the group, with a firm, yet somewhat solitary, gait, like a lone star, isolated from the rest. His posture was upright and stern, his eyes shone with a profound indifference. He ignored the laughter and chatter of the Cao family members behind him, as well as the occasional whispers of the bandits. Only occasionally would he lift his head slightly, gazing at the endless horizon beyond, his gaze piercing the thick dust, as if pursuing some unattainable goal, or escaping from a past he wished not to touch.

As night, like a vast sheet of black silk, gently enveloped the entire canyon, the Cao family and the bandits gathered around a bonfire. The flames burned brightly, their weary yet relaxed faces illuminated by the dancing flames. Having endured the trials of life and death and the twists of fate, they now miraculously forged a subtle tacit understanding.

The bandits were no longer as ferocious as they had been, and the Cao family members had also let down their guard. They sat together, sharing stories and dry food with each other, and their laughter echoed in the canyon, as if the hatred and confrontation they once had had had been buried by the desert sand, leaving only this moment of harmony and tranquility. A wonderful atmosphere of "a smile to forget all grudges" filled the night sky.

Lin Feng, like a solitary statue, sat quietly on a massive rock in the canyon. His legs were crossed, his back straight, his hands resting naturally on his knees, like a sage lost in meditation. A gentle breeze ruffled his slightly disheveled hair and tattered clothes, but it couldn't disturb his inner peace. His face, in the dim moonlight, appeared cold and resolute, like a stone statue carved with a knife and an axe, without the slightest expression. His eyes were closed, as if he were engaging in a silent dialogue with his inner self. The thoughts and memories that had plagued him for so long surged through his mind like a surging tide, yet he suppressed them with all his might, not letting even a trace of them escape.

Cao Ling, the jewel of the Cao family, was kindhearted and filled with curiosity. Her gaze was always drawn to Lin Feng's solitary figure, as if drawn by an invisible force. Seeing Lin Feng sitting there alone, neither interacting nor eating, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pity and worry. So, she quietly stood up, carefully selected some food and water from the caravan's supplies, and cautiously walked towards Lin Feng.

Her steps were light and slow, as if she was afraid to disturb the tranquility of the night. When she reached Lin Feng's side, he seemed to have a telepathic connection with her. He didn't turn around, but simply said, "Just put it on the ground." His voice was low and calm, without a trace of warmth, like the night wind in the canyon, icy and biting, making it difficult to understand his inner world.

Cao Ling was slightly startled. She blinked her bright big eyes, pursed her lips, and mustered up the courage to ask softly, "Lin Feng, where are you from?" Her voice was soft and crisp, like the song of a nightingale, echoing in this silent canyon, with a hint of concern and curiosity, as if it was a key trying to open the door to Lin Feng's inner world.

However, Lin Feng seemed to have not heard her, remaining silent as a rock, without giving her any response. His eyes were deep and focused, as if he was immersed in the abyss of his own thoughts, unable to be awakened by the outside voice.

Seeing Lin Feng ignore her, Cao Ling felt a sense of loss and helplessness. She sighed softly, the sound faint against the night sky, like a falling feather. She slowly turned around, about to leave. Just as she turned, Lin Feng suddenly spoke: "Aoki City." Those two short words, like a flash of lightning piercing the night sky, instantly stirred a thousand waves in Cao Ling's heart.

Qingmu City, a remote city in the far south of the empire, thousands of miles from their current northernmost location, had Lin Feng come from such a distant land? What legendary stories and unknown secrets lay hidden within? Cao Ling's heart was filled with shock and confusion. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Lin Feng's back, trying to find some answers in his silent presence, but she found none. His back remained as cold as a mountain, making it impossible to glimpse the truth behind it.