Journey to the West: The Immortal Clan Begins by Feeding Monkeys at Five Elements Mountain

Chapter 106 Rewarding Merit and Merit, The White Fox Bewitches People

Such a commotion around the village had naturally alerted the villagers.

A few dim oil lamps lit up between the houses, and someone wearing only a thin coat went out, craning their neck to peek out.

Upon seeing the wild beasts lying on the ground below the slope, each with its skeletal frame and fur still glistening with blood, a chill ran down my spine.

The teenagers were still cleaning up the mess. Some carried sticks, some dragged corpses, and they did it quite well, showing no trace of the naivety and panic they had shown in the fight.

Jiang Yi stood on the front slope, looking at the children, and his tense expression finally relaxed a bit.

This night raid, on the surface, appeared to be a smooth and well-planned operation.

Upon closer examination, it is actually extremely dangerous.

If it weren't for the Jiang and Liu families making plans early on, these past few years of teaching martial arts, brewing medicine, and training their foundations would have gradually built up a solid foundation for the children.

If it weren't for Jiang Ming's excellent information network, and his ability to uncover the beast's nighttime attack from a place where it was difficult to ask for details, he wouldn't have been able to do so.

I fear that tonight will be a night of bloodshed and carnage, with corpses strewn across the fields.

Fortunately, those beasts were out of the loop and still thought Liangjie Village was an easy target.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yi looked up at the depths of the mountain ahead, his brows furrowing slightly.

That mountain-guarding bodyguard could certainly intimidate the three most powerful demons.

But such feints and ambushes are not tactics that he alone can counter.

Ultimately, it's because the world has changed.

Even the strongest backer can have leaks at times.

At times like these, relying on others is never as reliable as having your own backbone and a stick in your hand.

Fortunately, the preparations were thorough this time, and those beasts suffered a hidden loss instead.

Although some wounded soldiers fell to the ground, fortunately they were all minor injuries, and Doctor Li came to bandage them, so it was not a big deal.

As dawn broke, the chill intensified, the dew in the forest was heavy as frost, and the grass was cold.

Jiang Ming continued to lead his men, patrolling the forest and guarding the entrances.

Until dawn broke and the forest fell silent.

Several veteran hunters from the village came to volunteer to take turns keeping watch.

The members of the Ancient and Modern Gang then went home in twos and threes to rest.

Jiang Yi didn't feel sleepy. After returning home, he first left the courtyard gate slightly ajar and went inside to check on his wife and daughter.

The room was warm and cozy, and little Jiang Xi was sitting on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), her cheeks puffed out.

Upon seeing his father and brothers enter, he didn't speak at first, but then slapped his knee and jumped up, saying:
"What kind of rule is it to fight without me, the vice-leader,!"

As he spoke, he raised his hand and gestured a few times, his fists swinging powerfully and with great flair, though he was a bit short.

Jiang Ming, standing to the side, took off his blood-stained clothes and slowly replied to her:
“This time, all the gang members who made the move were over the age of twelve. Although you are the deputy gang leader, the rules are clearly written. Since you are not old enough, you should naturally stay home.”

The little girl was unconvinced. She snorted, then simply hugged her knees and sat back down in the corner of the kang (a heated brick bed), remaining silent.

Jiang Yi ignored the brother and sister, simply sitting down and gently patting Liu Xiulian's back, speaking in a low, slow voice:

"Everyone is safe and sound, so don't overthink it."

Liu Xiulian hadn't slept all night, and now that she finally saw everyone returning in good condition, she felt a sense of relief, and her eyes welled up with tears.

She leaned against him, and he pulled her into his arms. She didn't pull away, nor did she say much; she just nodded gently.

As daylight turns to midday, the yang energy gradually increases.

After resting for a while, the group of boys, like wolf cubs waking up from their den, rushed to the open space in front of the school.

They laughed and shouted as they distributed the spoils of war, as if last night's night raid was nothing more than a formality.

What we slaughtered last night was no ordinary mountain produce.

Each of them had angular bones, heavy blood and qi, and some spiritual cultivation on their bodies.

Compared to the mountain deer and roe deer in the forest, it is far more ferocious and also far more nourishing. For the young men of the Ancient and Modern Gang who are currently honing their skills, it is a top-notch treasure.

In addition, the wedding of Jiang's second son a while ago brought back a package of excellent medicinal herbs, which have now come in handy.

With a handful of medicinal herbs, a chop of meat, a blazing fire, and the lid lifted, a rich broth immediately begins to bubble and releases a fragrant aroma.

This is a truly nourishing soup; just the smell alone makes your mouth water.

Jiang Ming waved his hand and distributed the rewards according to merit, making it straightforward.

He didn't take a single piece for himself, not even a bone fragment, which made Jiang Xi purse her lips in disapproval.

Before it got dark, a fragrant aroma wafted through the village, a meaty scent with a hint of medicinal notes, just the right amount.

The young men from the Ancient and Modern Gang had their cheeks flushed red from the beating, and their voices had also become louder, each shouting as if they could hold up the sky with a single breath.

The Jiang family's dining table remained simple and plain, with Solomon's seal porridge, scrambled eggs, and two dishes of stir-fried medicinal herbs, all light in color and flavor.

In terms of true nourishment, it may not be inferior to that pot of monster soup; in fact, it might be even more suitable.

But Jiang Xi didn't care about that.

He swallowed the spirit egg clean in a few bites, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, picked up his bowl and chopsticks, and walked out, muttering to himself:

"The deputy commander is in charge of patrolling and must visit the wounded in each household."

The people in the room were amused by the sound of her running footsteps, but no one stopped her.

No more than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea after the meal, and before it was even completely dark, several figures were already slowly approaching along the mountain path outside the courtyard, following the twilight.

His footsteps carried the dust of travel, yet his demeanor exuded a sense of solemnity.

As they approached, they found it was indeed a group from Liu Family Village.

In front was Master Liu, followed by Liu Zi'an and two servants. Grass still clung to the hems of their clothes, and muddy marks clung to their feet.

Jiang Yi glanced at them and knew they had come straight here as soon as they returned to the village.

He immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and instructed Liu Xiulian to boil water and prepare tea.

I had intended to exchange a few pleasantries and ask how you were doing.

Unexpectedly, before he could speak, Master Liu led his men in a deep bow, clasping their hands to the ground, their words extremely solemn:
"Thank you, Brother Jiang, for saving the lives of everyone in Liangjie Village."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi remained expressionless, but was slightly puzzled.

Liangjie Village takes responsibility for its own affairs. Although the head of the Liu family manor has always been a frequent visitor, he is, after all, an outsider.

Why does it seem like he's become an outsider, yet he's here to express his gratitude?
But he never said those words.

With a faint smile, he slightly shifted his footing, subtly avoiding the solemnity, and then, without leaving a trace, led the group into the courtyard.

Upon entering the main room, we sat down and were served tea. The lamplight illuminated the room, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Jiang Yi poured water from the kettle, steam rising from the rim of the cup, before casually asking:

"I haven't seen you for a few days. I heard from your people that the master seems to have encountered some difficulties?"

Upon hearing this, Master Liu's brows twitched slightly, and he sighed, saying with a wry smile, "There are difficulties, but I'm afraid they are caused by my own recklessness."

He put down his teacup, no longer bothering to hide anything, and spoke quite frankly:
“A few days ago, while patrolling the mountains, I went deep into the forest and heard intermittent voices coming from the woods, which sounded like faint cries for help. I was anxious and followed the sound.”

He paused here, his eyes narrowing slightly, and said softly:

"Who knew that this chase would lead to a battle with three ferocious beasts in the forest for several days. It was a back-and-forth struggle, and they were in a very sorry state."

"In the end, it turned out that the so-called cry for help was just a white fox that had become somewhat spiritual and had learned a few human words to mislead people in the forest."

He gave a self-deprecating laugh, shook his head, and said with a hint of bitterness in his voice, "Only then did I realize that I had fallen into a trap. I hurriedly turned back, but it was too late."

“If it weren’t for Brother Jiang’s advance deployment of defenses, keeping those beasts out of the village… last night’s events would have resulted in rivers of blood, and I would have become a sinner.”

As he spoke, he stood up, cupped his hands, and bowed again solemnly, his expression full of sincerity yet not at all pretentious.

(End of this chapter)