23 Chapter 23- The Last

At the heart of the rundown village, a gathering had formed around an elderly man, the patriarch of the Du family. Du Ze and his father, Du Meng, sat beside him, while Ye Han and Yang Xin took their places in front of them.

"Young Master Ye, the entire Du family is grateful that you've taken our son, Du Ze, under your wing," Patriarch Du Rong said with a warm smile.

"Sooner or later, someone would have recognized his talent, Patriarch. There's no need to thank me," Ye Han replied graciously. "Du Ze's dedication and hard work are what brought him to where he is today."

"Thank you, Teacher Ye," Du Ze chimed in, feeling the weight of his family's eyes on him.

"Even the most promising seed requires proper nurturing to flourish, Young Master Ye," the patriarch remarked with a smile.

Ye Han nodded in agreement, then retrieved a document from his storage ring. "Du Ze, come here."

Handing the document to his surprised student, Ye Han watched as Du Ze's eyes widened with disbelief.

"T-Teacher Ye... I... I don't think I can accept this," Du Ze stammered, his expression nervous. "It's too extravagant..."

"Consider it a gift from your teacher," Ye Han insisted, his smile unwavering. "You're the only one among my nine students who haven't received anything yet."

"B-But..."

"Du Ze!"

Du Meng's stern voice cut through the air, prompting Du Ze to turn to his father, his expression uncertain.

"By refusing your teacher's generosity, you're dishonouring him," Du Meng admonished.

Du Ze glanced anxiously at his teacher, fearing he had offended him.

"I-I apologise, Teacher Ye... I gratefully accept your gift," Du Ze said, bowing respectfully.

"Don't worry, I'm not easily offended," Ye Han reassured him with a chuckle. "When do you plan to move in?"

"This evening," Du Ze replied promptly.

Ye Han nodded, then turned to Yang Xin. "Could you wait here for a while? I need to speak with him alone."

"Of course," Yang Xin agreed. "I'll chat with the patriarch in the meantime."

With a smile, Ye Han stood up and gestured for Du Ze to follow him.

"S-Sure," Du Ze responded, his curiosity piqued as they made their way to a secluded spot by a pond.

Meanwhile, the adults remained curious but silent, while the children, eager to follow their elder brother, were stopped in their tracks by their parents.

As Ye Han and Du Ze reached the pondside, the teacher finally broached the topic he had been planning to discuss.

"I spent the past week creating a soul array that could benefit all of us," Ye Han began, motioning for Du Ze to sit. "I want to connect your soul realm to this array. Ning'er and Ziyun have already done it, and now it's your turn."

"A soul array?" Du Ze exclaimed, taken aback. "Could you tell me more about it, Teacher Ye? It's the first time I've heard of such a thing."

Ye Han proceeded to explain the benefits of the soul array, observing his students' reactions with amusement as he absorbed the information.

"A soul array that could allow me to stay in the same realm as everyone…" Du Ze murmured with a determined expression. "Teacher Ye, I am willing to become part of it."

He would be a fool to let go of such a good opportunity. While he had confidence in reaching great heights, he lacked faith in his cultivation speed.

"Good decision," Ye Han smiled at him. "Now, sit here and clear your mind. I will begin the process."

Du Ze nodded and quickly assumed a meditative position near the pond.

Ye Han stood in front of him and initiated the soul array. Their soul beasts materialized above them, connected by strands of spiritual energy.

"You can get up now. It's done," Ye Han said with a smile as the soul array vanished, along with the soul beasts.

"It's done already? But I don't feel anything…" Du Ze stood up, puzzled, but soon understanding dawned on his face.

He turned around, looking into the distance. "Teacher Ye, are they there? I can feel their presence."

"Yes, they are indeed there," Ye Han confirmed. "I am sure you can feel my presence as well."

"I can also sense lightning and ice within you, Teacher Ye," Du Ze observed. "What are those?"

"They are called Power of Law, a cultivation method to become a Spiritual God," Ye Han explained calmly.

"Spiritual God?" Du Ze's eyes widened in shock. "Are you planning to become one, Teacher Ye?"

Having learned about Spiritual Gods during Ye Han's teachings, Du Ze was taken aback by the revelation.

"No, I am merely learning it to enhance my power," Ye Han chuckled. "If I find a Fire Law, I will share it with you to enhance your abilities."

"That would be wonderful…" Du Ze murmured, excitement evident on his face at the thought of mastering Fire Law.

Ye Han chuckled at his student's expression before elaborating on the benefits of the soul array.

With that settled, the duo returned to the village centre, where Yang Xin was conversing with the children.

"Han, I suggest we stay here and watch over them while they move their belongings to the courtyard," Yang Xin proposed with a smile. "Du Ze may be strong, but it's a lot for him to handle, especially with the children."

Ye Han turned to Du Ze. "If you're planning to relocate now, we'll stay."

Du Ze considered for a moment before nodding. "I initially planned for the evening, but Director Xin's suggestion seems wise."

"Here, take these," Yang Xin handed him multiple empty storage rings. "Use these to store your belongings, so you won't have to carry them."

"Thank you, Director Xin," Du Ze smiled gratefully before heading toward the houses, followed by eager villagers offering their help.

"It seems you've struck a deal with the patriarch," Ye Han remarked with a smile.

"Yes, since he's your student and future subordinate, it's best if his family doesn't remain in poverty," Yang Xin replied.

"He'll be your subordinate too, remember," Ye Han teased. "As my wife, you'll have equal authority over him."

Yang Xin blushed at the thought, but a pleased smile crossed her lips.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," she replied shyly. "We don't even know if we're destined to be together."

"Who would stop us?" Ye Han looked puzzled. "I've already informed my family about us."

"What?" Yang Xin's eyes widened in shock. "Why did you tell them?"

"Well, to let them know we're together," Ye Han chuckled.

As the couple conversed, the villagers emerged from their homes, with Du Ze leading them.

"We're ready to go, Teacher Ye," Du Ze announced with a smile.

"Then, let's head to your new home," Ye Han replied with a smile. "You should move to the rear; we'll protect the villagers at the front."

"I understand, Teacher Ye," Du Ze quickly complied, keeping a watchful eye on the sky.

With Ye Han and Yang Xin leading the way, the villagers and children followed closely.

Though reassured of their safety, the villagers remained apprehensive, their gaze fixed on the sky, haunted by past traumas.

"Nothing will happen to us, right?" an elderly man voiced his uncertainty.

"I don't know, but we should trust Du Ze and them," another replied.

The group emerged from the forest's depths, the canopy clearing, exposing them to the sky beasts' scrutiny.

The demon beasts screeched, drawing others closer to the village.

"Don't look at them," Ye Han commanded. "Just follow us. Your safety is guaranteed."

"But they're increasing in number…" a woman trembled in fear.

"It's no problem, even if they call upon hundreds," Yang Xin reassured. "We're more than capable."

The villagers, though still wary, found solace in their words.

Suddenly, a demon beast swooped down, poised to attack.

"It's coming…"

The villagers froze in fear, memories of past horrors flooding back.

"Move away," Ye Han waved his hand, disintegrating the demon beast before it could reach them.

Before its blood could splatter, Yang Xin shielded it with her energy.

"Please consider others," she scolded. "We don't want anyone splattered with demon blood."

"I knew you'd handle it," Ye Han chuckled. "But I can't stop the blood flow."

"True, but you can kill them farther away," Yang Xin retorted, her gaze narrowed.

"Okay, okay," Ye Han acquiesced, turning to dispatch the remaining demon beasts.

"How are you using lightning?" Yang Xin inquired. "I didn't know you had a demon beast spirit."

"I'll explain later," Ye Han replied, focusing on the task at hand.

With the skies cleared, the villagers expressed their gratitude, and the journey resumed.

When they arrived outside the village, Ye Han instructed the children to sit in the carriage while the adults continued on foot. Recognizing the children's limited endurance, he opted for this arrangement.

As they headed towards the city lord's mansion, the villagers shed their fear, knowing the demon beasts wouldn't attack them anymore. Encouraged, they quickened their pace, surprising Du Ze, who was tasked with protecting them from the rear.

By sundown, they reached their new home. The sight of villagers, accompanied by the director of the alchemy association and the city lord's son, drew attention from the crowd, but none dared to approach, wary of offending the esteemed guests.

"Young master Ye, isn't this courtyard a bit too spacious?" Du Ze's father ventured as they entered.

"It's just right," Ye Han reassured him with a smile. "Your family will grow, so this place suits you perfectly."

"We'll follow your guidance," Du Meng replied, smiling wryly, before exploring the courtyard with the other villagers.

"Why don't you explore too, Du Ze?" Yang Xin suggested with a smile. "We're not going anywhere, so take your time."

Du Ze glanced at Ye Han before eagerly exploring the courtyard, brimming with excitement.

"They seem pleased with their new home," Yang Xin observed, settling onto a nearby sofa.

"Well, it's a vast improvement from their previous dwellings," Ye Han remarked, joining her. "Here, they can live without fear."

Yang Xin nodded, reflecting on her decision to initiate herb farming with the patriarch's help. "I've arranged for herb farming. The alchemy association will offer assistance and purchase their herbs."

"You're making a significant difference," Ye Han remarked. "Though some may disapprove."

"They won't object," Yang Xin said confidently. "My reputation and knowledge afford me influence, even without your status."

Ye Han chuckled at her confidence. "You do learn a lot from me."

"And the association will benefit in the long run," Yang Xin added, foreseeing the advantages of their collaboration.

Their conversation was interrupted by the return of some villagers, led by the patriarch.

"We'd like to invite you both to dinner as a token of our gratitude," the patriarch offered, smiling warmly. "It's the least we can do."

"You needn't trouble yourselves," Yang Xin replied politely.

"Everyone insists, including Du Ze," the patriarch persisted. "He'd be pleased if you could join us."

Yang Xin glanced at Ye Han, intrigued by Du Ze's involvement.

Remaining composed, Ye Han accepted the invitation. "If it's agreeable to the others, we'd be happy to join."

Pleased, the villagers excused themselves to prepare dinner, aiming to make the best of their humble ingredients.

"I'm surprised you accepted," Yang Xin remarked, noting the rarity of nobles dining with commoners.

"I'm different," Ye Han chuckled. "I've experienced both worlds, and dining with commoners isn't as repulsive as some believe."

As dinner preparations commenced, the villagers gathered in the main hall, eagerly anticipating the evening's festivities.

As the evening progressed, the patriarch expressed his heartfelt gratitude once more, thanking the guests for their kindness and generosity. With his words of appreciation echoing in the air, the villagers eagerly delved into the feast before them, savouring each dish with relish.

Amidst the clinking of utensils and the hum of conversation, the villagers regaled their guests with tales of village life, sharing anecdotes and exchanging laughter. The atmosphere was alive with camaraderie and warmth, as everyone embraced the joy of the moment.

As the dinner drew to a close, Ye Han and Yang Xin bid their farewells, their hearts filled with gratitude and affection for their gracious hosts. With a final exchange of pleasantries, they made their way back to the waiting carriage, ready to embark on the journey to Yang Xin's home.

"You won't faint this time, right?" Ye Han teased playfully as the carriage set into motion once more.

"I-I won't…" Yang Xin attempted to sound confident, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her embarrassment, adding to her endearing charm.

"Then, are you okay with it?" Ye Han interlaced his fingers with hers, his gaze locking onto hers with unwavering intensity.

Her pulse quickened at the thought of what awaited them, anticipation lighting up her eyes with a spark of excitement.

"I-I am ready for it…" Yang Xin whispered, her voice barely above a breath, her heart pounding with exhilaration as she leaned closer to him.

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So for the last two weeks, I haven't written anything, not even a word and I don't know when I will be able to get myself motivated to write.

I guess this book will go on hiatus now so don't waste your power stones.

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Do review this book though.