What They Saw and Heard in Clear Creek

The four of them encountered no further trouble on their way to Clear Creek Village.

However, when they arrived at the entrance of Clear Creek Village and saw the scenery inside, the group was slightly taken aback.

"Senior brother."

Looking at Clear Creek Village and then at Zhao Yuanlang, Zhou Hongxia asked softly, "Didn't you say your hometown wasn't very wealthy? This is what you call not very wealthy? None of the county towns we've seen before can compare to this, can they?"

After eliminating the threat posed by the old City God, Yin Yunze shifted his focus to construction.

Although a month is not a long time, there is a sufficient labor force, plus various small demons who are not good at fighting, coming from other counties.

Ancient buildings typically had only one or at most two stories, so the construction difficulty was actually not high.

In just one month, Clear Creek Village's area has increased by two sizes.

If we're really judging by size, this place should be called Clear Creek.

"It's all thanks to Your Majesty!"

Shen Gongbao, this newly minted fangirl, blindly believed it was all thanks to Yin Yunze.

Of course, Zhou Changqing and the other two also agreed with Shen Gongbao's statement.

After all, apart from Yin Yunze, no one else had the ability or the intention.

Without giving it much thought, the three of them and the leopard entered the newly renovated Clear Creek Village.

After entering this village, it became clear that they were people from the capital.

While I found the buildings in the village novel, I wasn't particularly impressed.

On the contrary, as members of the Supernatural Pursuit Bureau, Zhou Changqing and his two companions were more concerned about...

There are way too many monsters in this village.

A quick glance revealed an astonishing ratio of four humans to six demons on the road.

Furthermore, Zhou Changqing also discovered that among these monsters...

Fox demons, with fox ears on their heads and large tails swaying behind them, make up 60% of all demons.

It's fair to say that Clear Creek Village is now a den of foxes.

Furthermore, these fox demons have a rather strange appearance, all resembling little girls with white hair and red eyes.

It looks pretty good, but it also looks very eerie.

If this situation were to occur elsewhere, it would undoubtedly be a terrifying scene of humanity declining, monsters wreaking havoc, and the balance of Yin and Yang in chaos.

But here in Clear Creek Village, under the caress of Primordial Lady of the Azure Heavens.

The atmosphere between the human and the transvestite was unusually harmonious. So harmonious that the three men from the Supernatural Pursuit Bureau felt somewhat uncomfortable.

However, the three members of the Supernatural Pursuit Bureau could only pretend they didn't see the white-haired fox spirits scattered everywhere.

After all, it is quite obvious that these white-haired fox spirits are all members of the Primordial Lady of the Azure Heavens's retinue.

Provoking them is far more serious than bullying the helpless little leopard demon.

"Master, junior sister, and Shen, little sister—please follow me!"

Although things have changed drastically, Zhao Yuanlang is a local, so he naturally plans to invite the group to his home for a chat.

Zhou Changqing naturally wouldn't refuse Zhao Yuanlang's suggestion.

While it's true that I should go to Qingnü Temple to see Yin Yunze, it would be good to ask a local acquaintance about the situation beforehand.

On their way to Zhao Yuanlang's house, the group noticed that pedestrians were constantly bowing and greeting them.

At first, Zhou Changqing thought that their identities as members of the Supernatural Pursuit Bureau had been recognized.

It was later discovered that the person the passerby was bowing to was actually Shen Gongbao.

Based on Zhou Changqing's experience, it's not hard to see that the main reason is actually the clothes Shen Gongbao is wearing.

Clearly, this is the distinctive attire of those who serve the Primordial Lady of the Azure Heavens.

Making a mental note of this, Zhou Changqing followed Zhao Yuanlang and soon arrived at a two-story house.

Although the entire village has changed dramatically, the basic road infrastructure remains largely the same.

Therefore, Zhao Yuanlang did not end up in the embarrassing situation of getting lost in his hometown.

"Senior brother, is this your home?"

Looking up and down at the two-story building, which was clearly more refined than the surrounding buildings, Zhou Hongxia was also somewhat surprised to see many novel elements.

"I think so----"

Completely unable to recognize him, Zhao Yuanlang could only vaguely reply, "However, it wasn't like this when I left home."

"Hey, who are you looking for? Nobody lives here!"

The fact that several strangers were blocking someone's doorway naturally attracted the attention of the surrounding villagers.

Hearing the question, Zhao Yuanlang turned around and recognized the person. "Isn't this Fourth Aunt? It's me, Yuanlang! I'm back!"

"Oh! It's Zhao Er, Zhao Er!" The middle-aged woman who asked the question also recognized Zhao Yuanlang, and her face immediately lit up with a smile, "Zhao Er, you're finally back! Where have you been all these years!"

"Fourth Aunt, you are my elder, how can you call me that!"

Hearing an elder call him "Second Master," Zhao Yuanlang immediately felt a little awkward. "Just call me Zhao Er! These past few years, I've had some things to take care of and haven't been able to come back. You say no one lives here anymore? Where are my parents, my sister-in-law, and Wan'er?"

"Your parents passed away a couple of years ago. However, they couldn't find Zhao Er, so—"

Fourth Aunt Zhao quickly brushed this aside, then looked at Zhao Yuanlang and said, "However, you don't need to worry about your sister-in-law, Zhao Er. She's living in a much better place now!"

This place, being an old house, has been renovated, but it's not usually inhabited! Oh, by the way, Zhao Er, Miss Wan'er is currently playing with my Little Nannan at my house! I'll call Wan'er Zhao Er for you right now!

Fourth Aunt Zhao kept talking, but didn't give Zhao Yuanlang a chance to speak, and turned around and went back into the house.

Watching Fourth Aunt Zhao's retreating figure as she entered the house, Zhao Yuanlang wanted to say something, but he didn't know what to say.

The death of one's parents, with no one able to return home, is undoubtedly devastating news.

The information about Sun Qin revealed by Fourth Aunt Zhao gave Zhao Yuanlang a bad feeling.

After all, if it weren't for their elevated status, why would these previously snobbish elders be so polite?

When did a ten-year-old child become a "Miss" in her eyes?

But what way can a widow, all alone in a mountain village, possibly improve her social standing?

Almost without thinking, Zhao Yuanlang arrived at the answer.

However, after thinking about it, Zhao Yuanlang felt relieved.

After all, her husband had passed away early, her parents-in-law were no longer around, and even her brother-in-law hadn't been able to come back to help.

It's normal for a vulnerable woman raising a child alone to seek support again.

Thinking this, Zhao Yuanlang saw a beautifully dressed, delicately beautiful girl walk out of the house, led by Fourth Aunt Zhao.

At a glance, Zhao Yuanlang recognized her as his brother's daughter, Zhao Wan.

Seeing that Zhao Wan seems to be doing much better now than she did a few years ago, Zhao Yuanlang has truly let go.

"Wan'er." Smiling, Zhao Yuanlang looked at Zhao Wan and said softly, "Do you still recognize me?"

"Who are you?"

Zhao Wan was not afraid of the three people and the leopard.

Staring intently at Zhao Yuanlang, Zhao Wan also felt a sense of déjà vu.

"How about this?"

Facing Zhao Wan Zhao Yuanlang made a funny face that he used to use to make her happy.

"Oh! It's you! Uncle!"

Upon recognizing Zhao Yuanlang, Zhao Wan immediately rushed over and hugged Zhao Yuanlang leg, exclaiming, "Uncle, you're finally back!"

"Mmm!" Zhao Yuanlang patted Zhao Wan's head and said softly, "I'm back."

"Mother will be so happy to see Uncle come back!"

After all, she was still a child at heart. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, Zhao Wan immediately grabbed Zhao Yuanlang's hand. "Come on, Wan'er will take Uncle to find Mother!"

Zhao Yuanlang was naturally happy to see this happen, and followed Zhao Wan's lead.

The remaining two people and the leopard didn't disturb them and silently followed behind.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yuanlang and Zhao Wan, uncle and niece, chatted as they walked.

But as they walked, Zhou Changqing discovered that they had come to an orchard.

Of course, if it's an ordinary orchard, there's naturally no problem.

The problem is that many of the fruit trees here are ones that Zhou Changqing has never seen before.

It was something we knew, yet it was quite counterintuitive.

Defying the natural order of the season, the trees are laden with ripe fruit.

"Oh, by the way, Uncle, you can eat as much fruit as you want here. It's so delicious! Oh, that's a lychee, you should try some!"

After walking for a while in the orchard, Zhao Wan thought of something and said something to Zhao Yuanlang.

"Is that so?"

Upon hearing Zhao Wan's words, Zhao Yuanlang casually picked a lychee.

However, just as it was peeled open and before it could even be tasted, a tiny girl suddenly descended from the sky, creating a gust of wind.

"Who dares to steal fruit from the Hundred Fruit Orchard!"

Really----"

Seeing this, Zhou Changqing also remembered a folk song he had heard on the road.

The Hundred Fruit Orchard is fragrant with fruits, sweet as frost all year round.

Zhao Yuanlang, somewhat embarrassed, held the lychees in his hands, unsure of what to do.

At the same time, Zhao Yuanlang glanced at Zhao Wan with a hint of resentment.

Didn't you say we could pick and eat them as we pleased?

"Sister Shanjun!" Zhao Wan said angrily, looking at the little girl, "You're at it again! Didn't Lord Yi Yun say that the fruit here is free for anyone to eat? How could you stop her!"

"I don't care!" Lord of Du Mountain puffed out his flat chest and shouted, "Qingnü also said that this Hundred Fruit Orchard is under my management from now on! All these fruits are mine! No one can steal any without my permission!"

Zhao Wan was used to this, rolled her eyes cutely, and said softly, "What if I want to eat it?"

Lord of Du Mountain naturally wouldn't make things difficult for Zhao Wan: "Of course you can eat it!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wan turned to Zhao Yuanlang and said, "Uncle, you eat!"

Watching the two girls arguing, Zhao Yuanlang couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

Zhao Yuanlang waved the lychees in his hand at Lord of Du Mountain and teased, "Little sister, Wan'er said I can eat them, so I'll—"

"You brat! Who are you calling 'little sister'?!"

Upon hearing this, Lord of Du Mountain immediately bristled and revealed his true form, which was as large as an elephant.

The hot breath exhaled from his nose instantly froze Zhao Yuanlang in place, his expression stiff.

"Sister Shanjun! You're not allowed to bully my uncle!"

Seeing this, Zhao Wan quickly stepped in front of Zhao Yuanlang. Her petite divine body contrasted sharply with Lord of Du Mountain's enormous beastly form.

"Is Du Lord of Du Mountain of Du Mountain also a vassal of Primordial Lady of the Azure Heavens?"

Before coming here, Zhou Changqing had also collected information on the famous Orthodox God of Anqing Prefecture.

Zhou Changqing naturally recognized the exotic tiger, Lord of Du Mountain, at a glance.

"Tsk! Haha, you underestimated me!"

Seeing Zhao Yuanlang's stunned expression, Lord of Du Mountain felt much better.

After mocking Zhao Yuanlang for one round, Lord of Du Mountain spread his wings and immediately flew away from the scene.

"Seriously! Sister Shanjun, you're so childish!"

Shouting at Lord of Du Mountain's departing figure, Zhao Wan quickly comforted Zhao Yuanlang, saying, "Uncle, don't mind her. Sister Shanjun just likes to do that—by the way, Lord Yi Yun said she was just looking for trouble to scare people! But she didn't mean any harm!"

"Is that so? Wan'er, you and this... this Lord Shanjun have a really good relationship."

Zhao Yuanlang was a seasoned veteran, and although Lord of Du Mountain was terrifying, he wouldn't be truly frightened by Lord of Du Mountain's roar.

However, seeing Zhao Wan chatting and laughing with Lord of Du Mountain, a strange tiger demon, Zhao Yuanlang understood something.

As they passed through the Hundred Fruit Orchard, a very exquisite temple soon came into view.

What is most eye-catching, however, are the hundreds of fox demons that have revealed their true forms around the Qingnü Temple.

The majority of the foxes were orange-red fire foxes, followed by yellow grass foxes, with a few white foxes scattered around.

Moreover, these foxes are generally a size larger than ordinary foxes. The largest are about the size of an ordinary wild wolf.

However, the worshippers who came to offer incense seemed completely unfazed by these fox spirits.

Some daring pilgrims even went so far as to tease these fox spirits.

However, if it's not too excessive, these fox demons will let them touch them a few times.

The Qingnü Hall, the Spirit Fox Fairy, the Nine-Tailed Fox brings peace and tranquility to the mortal realm.

Such a harmonious scene reminded Zhou Changqing of another folk song.

Just as he was thinking this, Zhou Changqing saw a beautiful young woman dressed in a blue palace gown slowly walking out of the Qingnü Hall, surrounded by a group of girls dressed as red and white witches and a white-haired fox demon.

At first glance, he appears to be a god-like figure.

"Mother! Look who's here!"

Upon seeing Sun Qin emerge, Zhao Wan disregarded everything else and rushed over with a cheer.

Seeing this, Sun Qin felt somewhat helpless and first hugged Zhao Wan.

Shen Gongbao also stepped out from beside Zhou Hongxia and immediately knelt down in front of Sun Qin.

"Your subordinate, Shen Shen, Gong Bao, I have met, I have met the Incense-Sharing Immortal Lady!"

"Lord Yi Yun has already told me about your matter. Please wait here for now."

After speaking to Shen Gongbao, Sun Qin looked at Zhou Changqing and the other two, and said softly, "Lord Yi Yun sent me here, and I have been waiting for the three of you for quite some time."

"Sister-in-law----"

Looking at Sun Qin, whom he barely recognized, Zhao Yuanlang was incredulous. "You, you are the head of the Four Divine Envoys under the Primordial Lady of the Azure Heavens Sovereign, the Incense-Sharing Immortal Lady?!"

"The four divine messengers have never been ranked. Even if there is a leader, it should be the Envoy of Punitive Expedition or the Spirit-Attending Envoy. My Incense Distribution Envoy is merely to do miscellaneous tasks for Lord Yi Yun —it's just that I've acquired this empty title because I've come into contact with so many people and demons. Uncle, please don't say such things in front of outsiders."

After offering a brief explanation, Sun Qin looked at Zhao Yuanlang, tears welling in her eyes. "Uncle, it's been years since we last met. How have you been?"

Seeing Zhao Yuanlang and Sun Qin reunite, Zhou Changqing felt reassured; this was a sure thing!