The sun had set and darkness began to replace the light, the thunderstorm that had been visible at the peak of Misty Mountain had disappeared.
Mo Shatian, who was waiting in the main square with the others saw that Xiao Ling and his group had returned. None of them had been injured or victimized during their battle with the monsters.
"The Night Wolves that entered the barrier have been cleared, for now there is no longer any threat to the village. So don't panic and please return to your respective activities."
The villagers began to return quietly following village chief Xiao Ling's instructions, but there were still some who remained in the main square such as Mo Shatian, Xiao Lin, and Xiao Ning along with the members of the hunting group.
"In that case, I'll tell you about the goods after we finish processing them."
Yan Nansu left together with the rest of the hunting group as if he did not want to be bothered by other things.
Xiao Ling, who was left behind with the others, began to stare at the remaining few people. "Alright... let's go home. And Shatian come with us, there must be many things you want to ask, I'll tell you everything you want to know."
Even from the moment he came back, Mo Shatian kept staring at him, it was impossible for Xiao Ling not to notice if he was being blatantly stared at.
Mo Shatian tried to make it obvious that there was something he wanted to know from Xiao Ling.
"Um... Yes, that's right. There are some things I want to know, and I think Uncle Ling is the most appropriate person to tell it to." Mo Shatian replied without taking his eyes off him.
Xiao Ling could only smile wryly after Mo Shatian told him directly, Mo Shatian left him no other choice.
"Alright, let's go back, the sooner the better," Xiao Ling said as he quickened his pace.
***
They arrived at village chief Xiao Ling's wooden house. Mo Shatian followed Xiao Ling into a special room that only had a few chairs and tables made of wood. In the corner of the room there was a fireplace to heat the room made of stone that used a chimney to release the smoke, it was not the first time Mo Shatian entered this room but no matter how many times he entered it, he always felt relaxed and calm.
There are hardly any decorations or other pieces of furniture adorning the room. However, this does not detract from the ambience and impression it gives, making it look simple and elegant.
"Sit down and make yourself at home."
Xiao Ling sat down while looking at the empty seat in front of him, signalling Mo Shatian to sit in front of him.
Accepting the invitation, Mo Shatian sat right in front of Xiao Ling, and Xiao Lin who followed them also took a seat and sat beside him.
"This will be a private talk. I hope you can leave us alone, my dear," Xiao Ling said gently to his daughter.
Xiao Lin listened to her father's request only raised her eyebrows and looked into her father's eyes as if pleading.
Seeing no change after a few seconds, Xiao Lin could only sigh and give up, "Haaah... alright."
With a slight frown on her face, Xiao Lin got up from her chair and started walking towards the door and gave Mo Shatian one last look before completely leaving the room.
A long sigh sounded from Xiao Ling's mouth, making it look like he had made a difficult decision.
This is really a surprise. For Uncle Ling to stay firm and not budge even if it's a request from his daughter.
Mo Shatian simply observed the rare event happening before him without expressing any of his thoughts.
"Are you curious why I didn't let her stay here? Well... if I had to say, it's probably because this conversation is only about you." Xiao Ling's words drew Mo Shatian's attention towards him. "Having said that, I feel a little rude if I let her and overhear this conversation, but you are free to tell her or not after this."
Perhaps to Xiao Ling, it is rude for someone to listen about something without getting permission from the person in question, especially if it relates to that person directly.
But even so, Mo Shatian didn't seem too bothered by it, probably because he didn't know what Xiao Ling would say to him.
"It seems like you don't mind that much, let's put it aside for now... if you have anything to ask, feel free to say it, I'll hear it first," Xiao Ling said with a smile, waiting for a response from Mo Shatian.
There were many things Mo Shatian wanted to ask, but after thinking about it, he decided to remain silent.
I think it's better to ask after listening to Uncle Ling's words. He chose this decision not without reason, but based on Xiao Ling's previous words and attitude.
After a while of no response back from Mo Shatian, Xiao Ling seemed took it as his approval.
After taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, Xiao Ling began to speak in a soft and distant tone, "I wonder where I should start..."
After a moments of hestitation, Xiao Ling found the right moment and opened his eyes, as if memories that had been buried for a long time began to flow back swiftly. "Yes. I think we should start with that... Lets start by talking about your parents."
Looking towards the window that looked directly towards Misty Mountain, Xiao Ling said in a tone filled with sadnes and loneliness as he began his story.