Meanwhile, three hundred li east of Heaven Dou City, the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, lay a place surrounded by mountains.
Yet here, so close to nature, there was a small village.
Wisps of cooking smoke rose into the air, painting a picture of peace and tranquility.
Several mischievous children played at the village entrance, while quite a few people in the nearby fields packed up their farming tools, apparently preparing to return to the village for a meal.
Along the road connecting the village to the outside world, a group of people slowly made their way back.
When the villagers preparing to head home saw the group, they recognized the man in front despite the many unfamiliar faces behind him.
"Sect Master, you're back!"
A burly middle-aged man approached, his face full of joy as he looked at Tang Xiao.
This village served as an outpost of the Clear Sky Sect, and the collateral disciples stationed here still recognized their sect master.
"Mm. Carry on with your work, and help me get these people settled in."
Weariness showed in Tang Xiao's eyes as he pointed to the people behind him and spoke to the collateral disciple leading the villagers.
"Yes!"
The burly middle-aged man acknowledged the order, then led Bai Chenxiang and the others into the village and found them temporary lodgings.
"Come, Xiao San. Come... home with me."
Watching the group leave, Tang Xiao finally turned to Tang San, who had remained silent all this time, and spoke to him.
Tang San merely nodded, an unshakable gloom hanging over his face. Only when he heard the word "home" did a flicker of emotion cross it.
But he quickly regained his composure and silently followed Tang Xiao deeper into the village.
Seeing Tang San like this, Tang Xiao