The news spread the following morning.
People in Ping'an County were abuzz with talk.
Zhao Jianjun was a local building materials merchant with a bit of a reputation.
Father and son had both died within a single day, and people all over town had plenty to say about it.
The most popular explanation was that they'd gotten what was coming to them.
Lin Feng paid none of it any mind.
He arrived at the school gates early that morning to wait for Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu was in much better spirits today.
She had changed into the new clothes he'd bought the day before and tied her hair into a ponytail. She looked much livelier.
"Big Brother!"
Xiao Yu ran out through the school gates, her steps much lighter than yesterday.
"Why are you out so early today?"
"Our homeroom teacher said we only have two classes this morning, and the afternoon's off. The school needs to repair the wall behind the hill."
Lin Feng nodded. "Perfect. Let's go for a walk."
The two of them strolled along the county town's main street.
Xiao Yu walked beside him, occasionally skipping a couple of steps.
"Big Brother, how many more days can you stay?"
"I have to leave today."
Xiao Yu slowed her pace.
"So soon?"
"I can't be away from the Northern Territory for too long." Lin Feng patted her on the head. "But I'll come back to see you often from now on. Things are better than they used to be, and getting around is easier too."
Xiao Yu murmured in acknowledgment and took a couple of steps with her head lowered.
"Big Brother."
"Hmm?"
"Is it dangerous out there?"
Lin Feng thought it over.
The Beast Tide, Rifts, the Zhao Family, Martial King-level Exotic Beasts, and the Provincial