Xu Yanli closed his eyes and sighed softly.
If that really was the case, then he and his mother had suffered the same fate.
But he was far luckier than his mother.
He had met Xu Tianran, Kong Deming, Electrolux, and Long Xiaoyao.
So many people around him had helped and protected him.
But his mother had nothing.
"Your Highness." Lezheng Ling's voice came through the carriage curtain. "We're almost at Angel Village."
Xu Yanli opened his eyes. The trace of sorrow in them vanished in an instant, and his usual calm returned.
"I know."
By the time the carriage slowly entered Angel Village, it was almost dark.
The setting sun's afterglow spilled across the valley, gilding the stone statue of the First Generation Angel God.
The villagers had received word long ago and were all gathered at the entrance, waiting.
The old man at their head leaned on his cane. When he saw the carriage stop and Xu Yanli step out, tears welled up in his cloudy eyes.
"Your Highness..." The old man tottered forward. "As long as you're safe, that's all that matters."
Xu Yanli stepped forward to support him and smiled gently. "Elder, I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you. I'm fine."
"You're back. That's all that matters." The old man repeated himself, gripping his hand tightly and refusing to let go. "Come into the village and rest. I've had people prepare a hot meal."
Xu Yanli nodded and followed the old man into the village.
Lezheng Ling and Xiao Dingtian followed behind them. The three hundred Imperial Guards made camp outside the village, not entering to disturb them.
The village was much livelier than it had been on his last visit.
Every household had lit its lamps. Children ran through the alleys, while the adults