Battle Through the Heavens: I can solidify the talents of all things

Chapter 69, Finally Leaving the Tagor Desert

Xiao Qing carefully examined the old man's condition and confirmed that he had died of natural causes.

It all started with seeing my lifeless grandmother, which led to a confused state of mind.

After regaining consciousness, Qinglin learned that her beloved grandmother had truly passed away.

Xiao Qing noticed a half-eaten, hard steamed bun on the bedside table, which was obviously what the grandfather and grandson usually ate.

The interior of the hut was even more dilapidated than the exterior, containing almost nothing except a worn-out wooden bed and a few simple earthenware pots.

An elderly woman with white hair lay peacefully in bed, her face serene, clearly having passed away in her sleep.

"grandmother----"

Qinglin's tears welled up again, but she bit her lip tightly and didn't cry out.

In the afternoon, under Qinglin's tearful and reluctant gaze, Xiao Qing buried her grandmother and returned to the simple little house.

"Qinglin," Xiao Qing asked softly, "Do you have any other relatives?"

The little girl shook her head, her voice barely a whisper: "Only Grandma—Grandma said that Qinglin's mother—passed away a long time ago."

He's gone.

Xiao Qing remained silent for a moment.

According to the original story, Qinglin's mother suffered endless scorn because she gave birth to a mixed-race child, and eventually died in despair. Qinglin is only alive now because of this kind old woman who adopted her.

Xiao Qing looked at Qing Lin: "What are your plans for the future?"

Qinglin shook her head blankly, her little hands unconsciously gripping the hem of her clothes.

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

Several burly men barged in, the leader of whom was a man with a scar on his face.

"Old woman, isn't it time to pay this month's rent?"

Scarface shouted loudly, then noticed the situation inside the room.

"Huh? Where's that old codger?"

Scarface's gaze fell on Qinglin, and he chuckled maliciously, "You little bastard, where's your grandma hiding?"

Qinglin was so frightened that she hid behind Xiao Qing.

Xiao Qing frowned slightly: "Who are you people?"

Scarface then noticed Xiao Qing, sized him up, and sneered, "Where did this pretty boy come from? This old woman owes our Black Snake Gang three months' rent. Since she's not here, we'll use this little bastard to pay off the debt!"

As he spoke, he reached out to grab Qinglin.

Xiao Qing's eyes turned cold, and without any visible movement, the scarred man suddenly screamed and flew backward, crashing heavily outside the door.

Upon seeing this, the other burly men drew their weapons.

However, the next moment, they all froze in place, as if bound by an invisible force, unable to move.

"Get lost," Xiao Qing said calmly.

The burly men were overjoyed and fled in a panic, not even bothering to look after the scarred man on the ground.

However, things weren't that simple. Xiao Qing didn't want young Qing Lin to witness him killing. From the moment they stepped out of that door, their fates had begun to slip out of their control. Tonight, at some point, several more human-shaped ashes would appear in the world—

Qinglin stared wide-eyed at the scene, her little face full of surprise.

"It's alright now." Xiao Qing turned around and smiled gently at her. "These bad guys won't come back."

Xiao Qing thought for a moment, then took out a pill that emitted a faint fragrance from his storage ring: "Eat this pill; it will do you good."

This is a mild, first-grade Qi-nourishing pill that he refined when he first started practicing alchemy.

Although its rank is not high, it is very helpful for Qinglin's current weak physique.

Qinglin obediently accepted the pill and swallowed it carefully.

She thought these were pills to take when she was sick. In Qinglin's mind, she didn't know that there were such precious things as elixirs. Soon, a blush appeared on Qinglin's pale face, and she looked much more energetic.

"Big brother—thank you," Qinglin whispered, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Looking into Qing Lin's unusual eyes, Xiao Qing already had a plan in mind.

It would be a great pity to let the rare and exceptional physique of the Azure Serpent Three-Flower Pupil be buried in this desert border town.

"Qinglin, would you like to come with me?" Xiao Qing asked softly. "I will teach you cultivation so that you can protect yourself and never be bullied again."

Qinglin paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously, tears welling in her eyes: "Qinglin is willing! Qinglin will be obedient!"

Xiao Qing smiled slightly, took her small hand, and said, "Then pack your things and come with me."

,,"Um!"

Qinglin nodded vigorously.

As the sun set, two figures, one tall and one short, left Mo City and headed towards the Gama Empire.

Qinglin would occasionally look back at the city that was gradually receding into the distance, a place filled with her sorrowful memories and her last concerns.

"Big brother," Qinglin asked softly, "Are we going to a very far place?"

"Yes," Xiao Qing nodded, "Go to a place where you can cultivate in peace."

Qinglin nodded as if she understood, her little hands tightly gripping Xiao Qing's clothes, but her eyes no longer held fear, but rather anticipation for the future.

Xiao Qing looked at the little girl beside him, whose fate had been so unfortunate, and felt a pang of emotion.

In the original story, Qinglin's fate was heartbreaking. Now that Xiao Qing has encountered the same thing, he will naturally not let her repeat that fate.

Green Serpent Three-Flower Pupils —

Xiao Qing was quite looking forward to seeing how far this little girl with a special physique would grow.

As night deepened, the desert starry sky shone exceptionally brightly.

Xiao Qing found a sheltered sand dune, lit a campfire, and took out dry rations and water.

Qinglin ate her food in small bites, occasionally stealing a glance at Xiao Qing, her eyes full of dependence.

"Eat early and get some rest," Xiao Qing said softly. "We have to travel tomorrow."

"Mmm!" Qinglin nodded vigorously, curled up on the blanket Xiao Qing had laid out, and quickly fell asleep.

This was the first time in days that Qinglin had slept so soundly.

Xiao Qing sat by the campfire, gazing at the starry sky, his thoughts drifting far away.

This desert trip yielded far more rewards than expected.

Not only did he obtain the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame and break through to the Five-Star Dou Wang level, but he also encountered Queen Medusa and Qing Lin.

The trajectory of fate seems to be quietly changing.

However, the most important thing right now is to return to Wutan City as soon as possible.

Judging by the timeline, some changes should have occurred at the Xiao family's side as well.

Moreover, Xiao Qing needs to find a way to nurture the sleeping soul of the old doctor as soon as possible.

Xiao Qing glanced at the sleeping Qing Lin. The little girl was still tightly clutching his clothes in her dream, as if she was afraid of being abandoned.

He gently tucked the blanket around Qinglin, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes.

Since we've decided to bring Qinglin along, we have to be responsible for this child.

The cultivation of the Azure Serpent Three-Flower Pupil requires special guidance; I'll have to study it carefully once I return to Wutan City.

A night breeze swept across the sand dunes, bringing a touch of coolness.

The campfire crackled, illuminating the two sleeping figures.

The desert nights are exceptionally quiet.

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