Chapter 69 Farewell, Leaving

As they were about to leave, Lin Xing wanted to seal off that cave entrance completely, but no matter what he tried, he couldn’t destroy it—especially that big tree. But it was probably for the best; otherwise, if Yamazaki had destroyed the exit while escaping, Lin Xing would have had to rely on his own strength to dig his way out.

The path down the mountain was truly hard to navigate. When Lin Xing had followed Gao Xiong and the others here, he hadn't realized the path was so difficult, or how remote it was.

Back then, Lin Xing had moved swiftly, jumping and climbing, sometimes rushing forward and sometimes hiding, without a thought for the trails themselves. But now, leading this group of people, Lin Xing was at his wits' end.

The main issue was that there were no clear trails to take. To descend the mountain, they could only rely on those narrow, winding paths, and they had to proceed going mostly by Lin Xing's rough sense of direction, as no one in the group was familiar with the mountains.

They finally emerged from the mountains. Seeing signs of civilization ahead, Lin Xing breathed a sigh of relief and looked back at the endless mountains behind them.

He had only walked through the mountains for a short while back then, but this time it had taken two whole days! Lin Xing couldn’t help but be amazed by how quickly these people tired—they'd start complaining they were tired after just a few steps. But at least they were finally out.

“Alright, everyone,” Lin Xing said to the group. “We’ve made it out now. So, what's next for everyone? Those who have homes should return home, and those without should find relatives to take you in!”

“Young Master Lin Xing, what about these children?” Sister Ye asked.

“They should be returned to their villages. What else can we do? I can’t take them with me,” Lin Xing said with a touch of helplessness.

After a pause, Lin Xing added, “Find out where they're all from. If they’re all nearby, let them leave together!”

Fortunately, these people were all from nearby. Even those from farther away lived in neighboring areas, so they could make the journey. The problem was with those from Rose’s village. Other than the ones who were away or here with us, everyone else in that village had died.

But now, there were still two children from their village whose relatives had all perished in that disaster.

Lin Xing glanced at Sister Ye and then at Rose, his meaning clear without words.

“They can come with us!” Sister Ye said before Lin Xing could speak.

“Alright, now you can leave. But before we part, I have something to give you.”

Just as everyone was wondering what Lin Xing had to give them, suddenly, a pile of items appeared before Lin Xing with a jingle and a clatter. Everyone looked and saw that they were gold coins and other valuables.

“I found this in the bandits’ hideout. Now, each of you take a share as compensation,” Lin Xing said, glancing at Sister Ye and Rose. “Sister Ye, Sister Rose, could you two distribute this wealth?”

“But this is all the bandits’ property, Young Master Lin. Aren’t you going to keep any for yourself?” Sister Ye asked curiously, having been there when Lin Xing found these things and now seeing him dump everything out.

“I don’t need it. You should take it and divide it among yourselves. The harm you’ve suffered can’t be made up for by these treasures,” Lin Xing said, completely unconcerned. “If I wanted it, I wouldn’t have brought it out.”

Lin Xing wasn't greedy and placed little value on wealth. In his eyes, money was just an external possession. Besides, he didn’t lack for money. But for the people here, it was different. Some of them might have been wealthy, but others certainly weren’t.

While this money couldn’t make up for the harm they’d suffered, it could at least provide some financial relief.

Seeing Sister Ye still hesitating, Lin Xing urged, “Alright, go ahead and distribute these treasures. And make sure to keep a share for yourselves—otherwise, how will you live in the future?”

As they were about to part, the sisters who had suffered together felt a bit reluctant. After all, they had endured so many hardships together, and now, having been rescued by Lin Xing, they had shared adversity and developed genuine bonds. Now that they were about to separate, they might never see each other again.

The atmosphere of parting was somewhat oppressive and sorrowful.

“Sister, I’m leaving. If we have the chance, we’ll meet again,” one sister said sadly. “Sister,” the other sister choked back tears. “I’ll miss you. If there’s a chance, we’ll meet again!” The two hugged each other tightly and cried silently.

“Alright, sister. I’m going,” the first sister said, pushing her sister away and wiping her tears. Though reluctant, she still had to leave.

This sister came before Lin Xing and said gratefully, “I thought I’d be trapped in that dark cave for the rest of my life, suffering their humiliation. But Young Master Lin Xing’s appearance gave me hope, the hope to live on!” The woman spoke with tears of gratitude.

“Young Master Lin Xing’s great kindness and virtue, this humble woman will remember forever. But I have no way to repay your great kindness, so I can only kneel before you.” As she spoke, she bowed gracefully and was about to kneel.

Seeing this, Lin Xing was startled and quickly supported her, preventing her from kneeling. “Sister, please don’t do this. I don’t deserve it,” he said.

Then, raising his voice, he declared, “Sisters, I, Lin Xing, didn’t save you to receive any repayment. I saved you, first, because I couldn’t stand those villains committing evil deeds, and second, because you were victims. If you’re thinking of repaying me, there’s no need. I saved you sincerely.”

“But if you truly want to repay me,” Lin Xing paused before continuing, “then promise me that you’ll live well in the future. I know that all of you here are victims and have suffered their humiliation. But that’s all in the past now; it’s become history.”

As Lin Xing spoke passionately, a faint, inexplicable smile appeared on Rose’s face.

“Life must go on, and a better tomorrow awaits you. Perhaps you still carry shadows, but I hope you’ll live well in the future! That would be the best repayment for me!”

Lin Xing’s sincere words deeply moved them. Everyone looked at Lin Xing gratefully and nodded, saying, “Thank you, Young Master Lin Xing, for saving our lives. We will live well.”

Seeing the hope restored in their eyes, Lin Xing smiled with satisfaction. “Alright, you may go now.”

In truth, Lin Xing had spoken these words with a purpose. Although they were now out of danger, some were still pessimistic and had lost confidence in their lives. Lin Xing didn’t want to see them like that, but this was all he could do.

Watching as the people left in twos and threes, embarking on their journeys home, Lin Xing smiled and said to Rose and the others, “Alright, they’ve all left. Now it’s time for me to go.”

“What? You’re leaving?” Rose exclaimed.