Chapter Eighteen: The Journey Home

To thank Zhou Xuan for saving their lives, Wang Ximing and his companions especially prepared a clean tent for Zhou Xuan to rest in. After two exhausting days in the mountains, Zhou Xuan was more than happy to accept the offer—it was indeed time for a good rest.

He enjoyed a hearty meal and then slept soundly. At six in the morning, before the sun had risen, Zhou Xuan woke up feeling completely refreshed. Seeing that most people in the tents were still asleep, he began practicing his martial arts outside on the open ground.

Since Zhou Xuan had achieved a certain mastery in his martial arts, his presence had become quite extraordinary. Each movement was fluid and natural, flowing seamlessly from one to the next.

Soon, as people in the camp began to stir—some preparing breakfast, others stepping out to relieve themselves—they were surprised to see Zhou Xuan practicing his forms. Yet, recalling that Zhou Xuan had ventured alone into the Black Bamboo Ravine and managed to rescue Jiang Yun, they were no longer astonished; clearly, he was a man of real ability.

After an hour of practice, just as Zhou Xuan was about to finish, he heard voices behind him.

“Young master, your injuries haven’t healed yet. You really should rest more—why push yourself?”

It was the same man who led the Jiang family’s group yesterday, cautiously supporting the now-awake Jiang Yun, urging him to return and rest.

Zhou Xuan immediately understood what was happening, and his goodwill toward Jiang Yun grew. He hadn’t expected Jiang Yun, upon waking, to come thank him right away, showing none of the arrogance often found in scions of great families.

“My injuries are nothing serious. Since I’m already awake, I should come and thank the man who saved my life. Uncle Lin, please don’t persuade me anymore—I’m already here.”

Seeing that Zhou Xuan had just finished his practice, Jiang Yun’s face was full of gratitude. “You must be Mr. Zhou. Thank you for saving my life. My family owes you a great debt. If you ever need anything, the Jiang family will help you.”

Zhou Xuan waved his hand. “You’re too generous, Brother Jiang. I happened to be there—it was nothing. Just call me Zhou Xuan, please; I’m not qualified to be called ‘Mister.’ I think anyone else in my place would have done the same.”

“Very well, I’ll call you Zhou Xuan then,” Jiang Yun replied simply, then shook his head thoughtfully. “If it hadn’t been for you, I might have been devoured by wild beasts by now. That strange wave yesterday knocked me out completely. In those last moments, I truly despaired.”

“Haha, but Brother Jiang, since you survived this calamity, I’m sure good fortune lies ahead. There’s no need to dwell on it,” Zhou Xuan said with a smile.

Jiang Yun brightened at Zhou Xuan's words and laughed. “Thank you for your kind wishes. I heard from Wang Ximing and Deng Cheng that you’re still in middle school—at first, I couldn’t believe it. But now, seeing how young you are, I have no choice but to believe it. You’re a true prodigy. Even in the capital, it’s rare to find someone your age with such skill.”

“Young master, you’ve given your thanks. Shouldn’t we go back and rest? After breakfast, we’ll take you out of here and to the hospital for treatment,” Uncle Lin interjected, seeing that Jiang Yun and Zhou Xuan were deep in conversation.

But Jiang Yun was unwilling. “Uncle Lin, I’m not one of those pampered wastrels. These injuries are nothing—I’ll be fine in a month.”

Seeing Jiang Yun’s strong character, Uncle Lin stopped trying to persuade him. Besides, Jiang Yun had undergone rigorous training since childhood, and his body was much stronger than most, so his recovery would surely be quicker as well.

Zhou Xuan also felt Jiang Yun should rest, so he suggested, “I’ve finished my practice, so let’s all head back together.”

Uncle Lin smiled. “Yes, yes, let’s go have breakfast. You can talk as much as you want afterward.”

“Alright! Zhou Xuan, let’s have breakfast first, then we can talk more in the scenic area. Tonight, let’s enjoy a good meal together,” Jiang Yun replied with a loud laugh, though the effort tugged at his wounds, making him grit his teeth.

The three returned to the tent, where Wang Ximing and Deng Cheng soon joined them. Seeing Zhou Xuan, they all greeted him warmly and congratulated Jiang Yun on his narrow escape, expressing their belief that great fortune awaited him.

After breakfast, everyone packed up for the return journey. Jiang Yun was placed on a stretcher, and they took turns carrying him; this way, they made good time. After lunch, they finally reached the road in the scenic area by two in the afternoon.

An ambulance and medical staff were already waiting. As soon as they arrived, Jiang Yun and his two companions were taken away in the ambulance. Zhou Xuan, meanwhile, was led by Uncle Lin’s orders to the hotel to rest.

The hotel was quite nice—the best in the county. Zhou Xuan enjoyed a hot shower and a restful nap.

At seven in the evening, Zhou Xuan met up with Wang Ximing and Deng Cheng. Since their injuries were less serious, neither had been hospitalized—just thoroughly bandaged.

Seeing that Jiang Yun was out of danger, they all went to the hotel together, intending to treat Zhou Xuan to a good meal.

The dinner was sumptuous, and everyone was in high spirits. After days of eating dry rations in the wild, the first thing anyone would want upon returning was a proper meal.

Zhou Xuan spent the night at the hotel and in the morning said goodbye to Wang Ximing and Deng Cheng. As for Jiang Yun, since he was still in the hospital, Zhou Xuan didn’t want to disturb him. But he was sure that once Jiang Yun recovered, he would come to find him in Rongzhou.

Originally, Wang Ximing and Deng Cheng invited Zhou Xuan to visit the provincial capital, but Zhou Xuan needed to hurry back to continue developing his brain-enhancement formula—there was no way he could go, though he promised to visit when he had the chance.

Before parting, Zhou Xuan, Wang Ximing, Deng Cheng, and Jiang Yun (through intermediaries) exchanged phone numbers. All three felt indebted to Zhou Xuan for saving their lives, and none of them were the sort to forget a favor. If Zhou Xuan ever encountered difficulties, they would surely come to his aid.

On the way home, Zhou Xuan reflected on the journey. At last, he could breathe a sigh of relief—he had accomplished both his goals. But if he wanted to make these three families his future allies, he would need corresponding strength. Otherwise, in their eyes, repaying a debt would be the end of it.

On the morning of the 16th, Zhou Xuan finally returned to the county. As soon as he got home, he saw Wei Lian pacing at the door.

Zhou Xuan slapped his forehead, remembering that he had asked Wei Lian to come today to discuss the hao123 website.

“How long have you been here, Brother Wei?”

“Not long. Boss, you’re back!”

“Yes, let’s go upstairs, and I’ll explain your new tasks.” With that, Zhou Xuan led Wei Lian up to his apartment.

After a short rest, Zhou Xuan brought Wei Lian into the room with the computer and explained what needed to be done. Wei Lian promptly began cleaning up and correcting the hao123 website directory.

Zhou Xuan had made no corrections in the past few days, so there was quite a backlog.

The rest of the day, Zhou Xuan devoted to researching how to prepare the brain-enhancement formula. He had already purchased the necessary supporting materials on his way back, so all that remained was the preparation itself.

Zhou Xuan was confident in his ability to produce the formula, but he was still uncertain about its effects and whether there might be any side effects.