Forge a path to success

Old Fan's vision blurred, thinking, "Isn't this supposed to be a demon's attempt to take my life? How did it turn into a civil dispute?" He was completely bewildered and, with his neck stiff, stammered, "I have a business license..."

"You're employing child labor!" Qingxia's roar was like a whirlwind.

Old Fan became even more agitated upon hearing this: "Are you kidding me?! Where are there child laborers?!"

The outstanding young people started to shrink back, and Qingxia pointed at the black guy: "Lu Ge is only eight years old!"

Old Fan stared at the black guy's strong muscles, shiny bald head, and towering two-meter-tall physique, and was so aggrieved that he couldn't speak: "This guy is eight years old?!"

The black guy said hesitantly, "My Lord Blood Knight, I'm nine years old this month..."

"They're all just kids, what's the difference?" Qingxia released Lao Fan and glared angrily at the group of newly hired lumberjacks.

Some of them looked to be of scholarly age, while the youngest looked to be fifteen or sixteen or older—they were hardly children. In the entire entertainment industry, it was extremely common for people to be thirteen or fourteen years old and start working; no normal person would consider these able-bodied men as "children."

Although none of them were actually more than ten years old.

"We finally have such a good environment now, why don't you study hard!" Qingxia's roar was like thunder exploding across the wilderness.

The children huddled together timidly, not daring to utter a sound. Vita stepped forward, her neck stiff: "Blood Knight, may I ask why we need to study?"

Qingxia was furious. It was the first time she had ever seen these kids talk back to her: "You can only succeed if you go to school and study—"

“But Blood Knight, you never went to school either, you are still the hero of the settlement,” Vita said angrily.

"I...I..." Qingxia was speechless for a moment. The children mustered their courage and protested all at once: "Blood Knight, this isn't fair!" "Everyone else is working, why should we do nothing but study?" "I can't let my grandparents support me for nothing!" "Studying those lousy books is not as good as practicing martial arts..."

Qingxia pointed at the wooden stake: "Does coming out to cut down trees really make you knowledgeable?"

“Blood Knight, we’ve learned how to safely cut down trees and recognized many kinds of poisonous insects,” Vita said. “Besides, we can earn 450 Flowing Orbs for a day of cutting down trees, which is more than many office workers earn!”

Qingxia, unable to find a reason to refute the repeated retorts, stomped her foot in anger. She turned and shouted, "Chu Hengkong, you speak up for me!"

The chief detective leaned against a large tree, gloating, "I never went to primary school either."

"what??"

Chapter 268 Where to Go From Here (Part 2)

“It’s true, I started learning martial arts when I was five, and I started delivering packages when I was eleven. I’ve been involved in the underworld ever since and never received compulsory education.” Chu Hengkong shrugged. “Don’t laugh. Ask the foreman. I bet he started working even earlier than me.”

Old Fan touched his helmet and smiled sheepishly: "I started working odd jobs in a small restaurant a few years earlier than you, when I was eight years old."

“Yes, that’s normal. That kid learns math very quickly, he can master it in a month or two.” Chu Hengkong squatted down. “But everything has its pros and cons. If you earn some money earlier, you’ll suffer some setbacks earlier.”

"Now that I'm capable, what am I afraid of getting humiliated?" one of the children retorted.

"When I first started delivering packages, there were many words on the slips that I didn't recognize," Chu Hengkong said. "But I had to deliver them. If I couldn't, the customers would go hungry, and I wouldn't get paid. So I had to stop people on the street, find a kind-looking person, and say, 'Sir/Madam, could you please tell me where this street is?'"

“I was lucky; people were willing to tell me things because I was young. But after they finished, they looked at me with disdain, thinking, ‘This kid can’t even read.’ I felt uncomfortable. I’m incredibly skilled, yet I have to ask for help with such a small thing. But you have no choice but to ask for help! Don’t you understand?”

The children fell silent, but Chu Hengkong continued, “It’s too embarrassing. I have no choice but to buy books with my wages after get off work and read them by myself in my rented room. I can’t even pronounce the phonetic symbols ABCDEFG, so it’s extremely painful to learn. I have no choice but to learn them. I’ve never been to school. The things that the local children know from a young age, I have to spend a lot of money and time to learn from scratch.”

"Detective Chu, we know we were wrong," a child whispered.

"You're not wrong, so why are you saying you know you're wrong?" Chu Hengkong laughed. "My hometown is different from here. If you practice martial arts properly and become an Ascended One to protect the city, you'll be respected and honored just the same. If you find cutting down trees enjoyable, you can become a senior carpenter, which will also have a promising future."

But life is different from reading a book; you only live once. I hope you'll try different things before deciding what to do or not to do. If you make a decision after careful consideration, I think Qingxia will support you.”

The children began to whisper among themselves. Seeing this, Qingxia waved her hand and announced, "Since we're already working today, let's focus on doing our jobs well. We can discuss the rest when we get home!"

"Yes, Blood Knight!"

Qingxia turned and walked away, and the children started eating their boxed lunches again. Chu Hengkong straightened the foreman's clothes: "Parents are quick-tempered, please forgive me."

"It's alright, it's alright." Old Fan chuckled. "It's just that, Detective, this... it wasn't intentional misconduct... so there won't be a fine, right...?"

"The relevant regulations are not yet perfect, so of course there will be no fines. But next time we recruit people, we should remember to be careful and make sure we know their age before hiring them."

Chu Hengkong quickened his pace to catch up with Qingxia. The centaur girl, unusually melancholy, gripped a small tree and swayed restlessly.

"I need to discuss this with Grandpa..." she began.

She scratched her head and said with a wry smile, "I can't do it anymore. Now I'm a sergeant commander, and I have to handle these things myself."

"That's why I never do management." Chu Hengkong shrugged.

Should I ask other people for their opinions?

“You can always ask others for their opinions. Qi Suji and Huai Su both have management experience, and Fen Ya has particularly rich experience. I suggest you ask her for advice,” Chu Hengkong said. “However, this is a settlement you are leading, and the final decision is always yours.”

"Uh-huh……"

Qingxia pondered for a moment, then ran off, saying, "I need to think about it myself first. Thank you, Chu Hengkong!"

Chu Hengkong picked a fruit from an old tree and thought to herself that it was hard to say who would suffer the most if a small child were to lead a group of children even younger than herself.

·

The next day, Qingxia, who had knocked on the door, transformed back into human form. After entering, she curled up on the sofa like a big cat, clearly exhausted.

“I spoke with each of them individually last night,” Qingxia said.

"how?"

“Thirty percent of the children originally planned to study, while fifty percent decided to study for a few years while working part-time, and then make further plans after they have learned the basics,” Qingxia muttered.

"It's much better than I expected," Chu Hengkong said in surprise.

"Fenya told me that elders should set a good example, so I went to the bookstore and ate a bunch of books..."

Chu Hengkong's face stiffened: "Eat?"

Qingxia looked like she had indigestion: "I'm a lustful demon, you know. I can read information by eating me. Then, during our conversation, I told them that the Blood Knight has already mastered all the knowledge you're going to learn, which is why he doesn't need to go to school. Since you have my abilities, you don't need to study either..."

"That certainly sets a good example."

“Most of the children were persuaded, and as for those like Vita who absolutely refused to study, I let them be.” Qingxia yawned. “Anyway, they are all very willing to learn martial arts, so I’m not worried that they will waste their time.”

“If you ask me, the children in the settlement are already very easy to take care of. There are plenty of children on Earth who don’t go to school because they are idle and unambitious, but they don’t go to school so that they can do something more meaningful.” Chu Hengkong rubbed her head. “They all come from the desolate wilderness and have had such a difficult childhood. They must know the preciousness of life. You don’t need to worry too much.”

"I almost messed it up yesterday," Qingxia said sullenly. "If you hadn't come to help, I was planning to take them back to school."

“Vita is right, isn’t she? You know that studying is good, but you don’t know why studying is good,” Chu Hengkong pointed out the problem.

“When I was in Jinye City, I saw many children attending school. They all seemed very happy, and I thought that I wanted the children in the settlement to live like that in the future,” Qingxia said. “However, this is just my opinion. They also have their own ideas. How they should live their lives is ultimately their own choice, right? We can’t become like Vansalar.”

"It's quite a good example of what not to do."

Qingxia suddenly sat up: "Chu Hengkong, could you make a book about the Grand View Garden for me?"

"It's just a matter of printing something." Chu Hengkong took out his phone, connected it directly to the device, and started printing. "Are you going out?"

“After talking with everyone last night, I found that the children are all thinking about the future. They have all changed compared to before,” Qingxia said. “But I am still used to relying on others… I used to ask my grandfather when I encountered problems, but now I subconsciously want to ask you. I think this is not good.”

“You’re a graduate of the Wilderness, after all. You can’t become someone who can’t fly,” Qingxia smiled. “I’m going to take on the Moon Gazing Journey too. I’ll finish reading this book on the way! When I get back, I’ll listen to your other stories!”

"You have a lot of ambition. I'd be happy to hear that." Chu Hengkong handed her the printed manuscript. "Remember to prepare before you go out. Pack enough medicine and food. Safety first."

Qingxia remained seated, tilting her head slightly upwards.

"...We're going to be separated for a while, could you give me a gift?" the girl whispered.

Chu Hengkong hesitated for a moment, thinking that since he already had someone he was romantically involved with, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to be intimate with other people...

He was deceiving himself. He thought to himself, making himself seem like some kind of virtuous gentleman. What did "others" mean? There were no other people around.

He leaned down and gently kissed Qingxia's lips.

"Don't tell Ji Huaisu." He pinched Qingxia's pointed ear.

Qingxia's ear tips turned a lovely pink, and she pounced on her, saying, "Give me another one~~"

"Don't push your luck, I'm warning you."

"It's so hot inside, I'm taking off my clothes!"

"Miss Qingxia, I'm warning you, if you do this again I'll kick you out! Don't you dare take advantage of me to kiss me!"

Qingxia hugged him affectionately for a while, then jumped out of the window. Chu Heng, with his hair all messy, thought to himself that this girl needed to go out and explore the world as soon as possible, otherwise she would never truly grow up.

Fan De wasn't in the dorm again this morning, just left a note. This guy's been leaving early and coming back late for days on end; who knows what he's up to. He went downstairs to the common area, where Qing Ye was flipping through a book titled "Essential Reading for New Employees of the Resurrection Unit." Seeing him, she chuckled, "Mr. Chu, cheating on me, huh~~~"

He quickly straightened his clothes: "Keep your voice down!"

“There’s no need to be so careful. Apart from the traditional Dragon Village martial arts practitioners and those with broken hearts, very few ascendants truly adhere to monogamy,” Qingye said. “In fact, Mr. Chu, you’re a minority because you’re so traditional.”

"...Do you think your sister Huaisu is in the minority or the majority?"

“I think she’s the ‘too lazy to bother with all this’ type.” Qingye made a peace sign. “By the way, I’m the ‘dating without getting married’ type.”

"Your views on love are even more problematic than those of a lustful demon."

“Family can create weaknesses,” Qingye said, closing her book. “By the way, could you please give me a letter of recommendation? I’d like to apply for an internship in the Resurrection Unit.”

Chu Hengkong was a little surprised: "These things in the city are nothing to you."

"If I went to other Dust Island, I should be able to experience more battles. But I think what I lack right now is not combat experience," Qingye said earnestly. "How does society work? What do people from all over the world think? How do ordinary people outside of Shura Island live their lives? What are the demands of ordinary people for life? Why do some people choose to commit crimes? Why do they knowingly approach the dangers of the heretical paths? Why do they repeatedly take risks using the power of the relics despite repeated warnings?"

I 'know' the answers to these questions, but I don't 'understand' them. If my understanding of the world is only this limited, even the most powerful techniques and swordsmanship cannot change my homeland. So please, give me a chance to understand the world.

"You've thought things through much more than I have," Chu Hengkong chuckled. "Do a good job, and I look forward to your performance."

"Yes, Detective!" Qingye gave a playful salute.

He went downstairs and bumped into a visibly embarrassed Shakes. Gulibo and Jie'an had tied two large bags of goods to the Wheel of Judgment, one on each side.

"Have a safe trip!" Gulibo waved her handkerchief.

“It seems very afraid that I will starve to death,” Shakes sighed.

"A very real concern," Chu Hengkong commented. "What is the destination?"

"Fly wherever you want." Shaks tossed him a silver metal block. "Contact me if you have any orders."

"Give me a 20% discount."

“Full price.” Shax lit a cigarette. “See you somewhere in the world.”

The Wheel of Judgment rose with a roar, carrying Shax towards the port, embarking once more on its wandering journey. Chu Heng looked in the opposite direction and saw another crimson shooting star flying away from Huilong City.

Everyone embarked on their own journeys, just like going their separate ways after a graduation trip. He felt a little melancholy, but also sincerely wished that the travelers would gain something from their journeys.

At this moment, Gulibo tugged at his trouser leg: "When are we leaving?"

"?" Chu Hengkong was taken aback. "Us?"

"Didn't Vande tell you?" Gulibo's forehead was covered in question marks.

Chu Hengkong then remembered that Fan De, who had left early, seemed to have left a note in the house, but he hadn't had time to read it because of Qingxia's visit. He saw Ji Huaisu rushing over in his SUV, and the Eye Demon waved his tentacles at him through the window: "Hurry up, buddy! The ship is leaving in five minutes, or you'll have to wait three months!"

"Right away." Chu Hengkong pulled Gulibo into the car. "Where to?"

"I'm going to deliver a package to the city of Jingsha," Ji Qiufeng said with a smile. "Hengkong, you mentioned wanting to go on vacation, so I'll take you all with me this time."

He sat in the back seat, holding a potted plant-like bud in his hands. Ji Huaisu whistled, "Hold on tight, we're about to sprint!"

"What does 'shao' mean?" Chu Hengkong noticed another question.

“Considering the heavy karma you and Huaisu carry, and the fact that you might get caught up in something if you go out alone…” Ji Qiufeng shook his folding fan, “This time I’ll go with you!”

“That sounds like a vacation,” Chu Hengkong said.

"Let's go to the City of the Divine Tree for summer vacation!!" Vande exclaimed happily.

The off-road vehicle sped along, ascending to the deck of the dragon ship amidst a long blast of its horn. The dragon god soared through the air, bidding farewell to the travelers setting off once more with a long, drawn-out chant.

The aimless chatter came to an end.

A brand new story is about to begin.

Chapter 269 Prologue: The Lone Serpent

“Sign here, my dear niece,” Uncle Lucas said.

Vilbert stared blankly out the car window.

Two hours ago the sky was clear, but now it's pitch black, not a ray of light in sight. The weather forecast says the biggest cold front in five years will make landfall today, with three days of torrential rain expected starting tonight. Many businesses have closed early, students are leaving school early, and even taxis have stopped operating. Everyone is rushing home; delivery drivers, still delivering packages, pull down their hats, clutch their takeout boxes, and hurry away.

Vilbert was still in the car; she had just attended her father's funeral.

On the return trip, halfway through, Uncle Lucas impatiently stopped the car and placed a pre-prepared contract in front of her. Men in suits stood guard around the Cadillac, forming an impenetrable wall with their pistols and daggers.

"My father wouldn't have done that," Wilbert thought. "He never used such grand methods. He was patient with everything, and when he wanted something, he would talk to me about it. He never asked for anything that wasn't his."