NOVEL ONLINE FREE CHAPTER 253
Chapter 253: Bittersweet Farewells
The bond between Lu Ming and the people of Nanxiang was a complex tapestry woven from shared struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs. He had given them far more than they could ever repay.
Because of him, they had survived countless perils. Because of him, they had forged a connection with the powerful Eternal Clan. And because of his unwavering dedication, He Qing and Heluo had come to value the people of Nanxiang, offering them a brighter future.
Lu Ming had been their guardian, their protector. But now, that mantle had been passed on to the Eternal Clan. A wave of relief washed over him, a burden lifted from his shoulders.
Huo Sheng's voice broke the silence, his gaze filled with genuine gratitude. "I've always felt like I owe you," he said, his words heartfelt. "You've given us so much, and we've given you so little in return."
He paused, his expression thoughtful. "Anyone with a discerning eye could see your potential. Someone like you should never be held back or constrained. In the past, we were the ones hindering your growth."
A flicker of regret crossed Huo Sheng's eyes. "To be honest, there were times when I wanted to help you break free from those limitations."
A wistful smile touched his lips. "What a shame..."
He sighed, his expression a mix of sadness and acceptance.
"In any case," Huo Sheng continued, his voice firm, "if you ever need anything in the future, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'll do everything in our power to help, even if it seems impossible."
He rose to his feet. "And remember, Nanxiang will always be your home."
Lu Ming stood up as well, embracing Huo Sheng in a warm hug.
Huo Sheng smiled, his gaze lingering on the three women present.
I should give them some privacy, he thought, stepping back. "I'll be going now."
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Lu Ming alone with Zhang Chengcheng, Wei Lan, and Fala.
"Mr. Lu," Fala's voice was soft, hesitant. "My grandfather has decided to go to the Eternal Clan, and I'll be going with him."
Fala, ever the adventurous spirit, was the first to speak. A hint of reluctance flickered in her eyes, quickly overshadowed by a spark of curiosity and a yearning for the wider world.
Lu Ming, sensing her conflicted emotions, offered a playful jab. "Without Miss Fala, how will I manage my meals in the future?"
It was a rare moment of levity, and Fala's laughter bloomed like a rare flower in the bittersweet atmosphere.
Then, her expression turned serious as she bowed to Lu Ming. "The Spirit Clan will not forget you, Mr. Lu. Please don't forget us either."
Lu Ming nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "I won't."
"Then I'll be leaving now." Fala turned and left, the door closing softly behind her.
Wei Lan stepped forward, her eyes red and swollen. "Brother Lu, I'm leaving too," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Lu Ming's heart ached at the sight of her tears.
"Thank you," he said, his voice gentle. "Thank you for helping with my sparring sessions, and thank you for the delicious meals."
Among the people of Nanxiang, Wei Lan was one of the few who didn't owe Lu Ming a debt of gratitude for protection. She had exchanged her labor for his, a fair and honorable arrangement. Her heartfelt thanks touched Lu Ming deeply, prompting him to express his own appreciation.
Wei Lan's tears flowed freely now, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. "Brother Lu, I can't bear to part with you... but..."
The unspoken words hung heavy in the air.
But she couldn't bear to leave Nanxiang, her home. Unlike Lu Ming, who had his own secluded residence, Wei Lan had deep ties to the community. She had been assigned to Lu Ming's side as part of a mission. Now that Nanxiang had found a path forward, it was only natural for her to return to her people and journey with them to the Eternal Clan.
Seeing Wei Lan's distress, Lu Ming stepped forward and enveloped her in a warm embrace.
"Go on," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm against her ear. "Go find your future. You're not anyone's subordinate. You're Wei Lan."
But Wei Lan's sobs only intensified, her body trembling against his chest. The weight of their parting pressed heavily upon them both.
Turning to Zhang Chengcheng, Lu Ming's heart ached at the sight of her reddened eyes. He approached her, his voice gentle as he asked, "Chengcheng, what about you?"
Before she could respond, he added, "Whether you stay by my side or go to the Eternal Clan, it's entirely your choice."
Unlike Wei Lan and Fala, Chengcheng's presence was different. She wasn't here on a mission or for any specific purpose, but out of genuine admiration and a desire to be near him.
Their eyes met, and tears welled up in Zhang Chengcheng's eyes. She threw herself into Lu Ming's arms, her embrace fierce and desperate. Lu Ming's body stiffened momentarily, then he hugged her back, his own emotions stirring within him.
"Brother Lu, do you like me?" she asked, her voice muffled against his chest.
A long silence stretched between them.
"I don't know... but maybe a little," Lu Ming finally admitted, his voice barely a whisper.
A tearful smile bloomed on Zhang Chengcheng's face as she pulled back, her eyes shining. "I like Brother Lu more."
Lu Ming smiled. "Yes, I know that."
But his inherent insecurity held him back from delving deeper into their feelings. After a moment's hesitation, he steered the conversation back to the matter at hand.
"So, where do you want to go?" he asked. "If you stay with me, I'll protect you."
"If—"
"I'll go to the Eternal Clan," Zhang Chengcheng interrupted, her voice firm and resolute.
Lu Ming was momentarily stunned.
"After all," she continued, her chin held high, "I'm not anyone's vassal. I'm Zhang Chengcheng."
"I don't want to be protected by you forever, Brother Lu. I want to stand by your side, face everything together with you."
Her voice wavered slightly, but her determination shone through.
"But I'm too weak."
"If I continue to follow you, I'll never become the person I want to be."
Zhang Chengcheng took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "So, Brother Lu, wait for me. When I'm strong enough to stand by your side, I'll come back to you."
A poignant silence settled over the room. Zhang Chengcheng knew Lu Ming's extraordinary growth rate. The thought that her pursuit might be futile, that she might never catch up, filled her with a sense of despair.
Then, a large hand gently rested on her head.
"You wait for me too," Lu Ming said, his voice soft but resolute. "Wait for me to become stronger, so strong that I fear nothing. Then, I'll come find you."
"And I believe," he added, a flicker of determination in his eyes, "that day isn't far off."
Morning, 236th day of the Black Mist Calendar
He Qing piloted a massive airship, rising from Archean City and soaring towards the distant peaks of the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
Onboard, the people of Nanxiang peered out the windows, their hearts heavy as they searched for a familiar figure that was nowhere to be seen.
Back in Archean City, within the City Lord's Manor...
Roda looked at Lu Ming, a question in his eyes. "Aren't you going to see them off?"
Lu Ming's head moved in a slow, almost reluctant negation. "No..."
End of Chapter 253