The Fierce Farm Girl Has A Secret Space Chapter 2411: The Kindness of Years Past (Part 3)

"Is the esteemed title of Divine Doctor Dao Xuzi merely for decoration?" Dao Xuzi cast a look over to Ran Lei. "Do you comprehend the reason your father presented me with that token in the past? It was due to your mother. Indeed, you address them as Aye and Aniang here. They had been wedded for a year then, and your father had not yet ascended to leadership. Just as your mother neared childbirth, she was afflicted by an enemy's poison. The affliction was so dire that the witch doctors of your tribe were rendered helpless, capable only of consigning her to fate: either the child would be saved at the cost of the mother's life, or the mother would be saved to the detriment of the child. However, should such a path be taken, your mother would forever be barred from conceiving again..."

A deep crease formed between Ran Lei's brows. He possessed some knowledge of this event, though not the intricate details, only the understanding that Aniang had teetered on the brink of death during A-Ge's birth. Hearing it now brought a measure of relief.

Ayang, too, eased her vice-like grip on the dagger.

"At that juncture, I was pursuing a rabbit and inadvertently stumbled into your village. Your father—nay, your paternal grandfather—did not expel me. Instead, he prepared a roasted rabbit for me and offered accompanying wine..." Dao Xuzi patted his belly. "I possessed nothing, and accepting sustenance without offering recompense felt untoward, so I proceeded to save your mother and the infant, a son. Your father's father was overcome with joy, and your father performed multiple kowtows, imploring me to partake in roasted rabbit for seven consecutive days... I even bestowed a name upon the boy, calling him Light."

"That is my elder brother," Ran Lei affirmed with a vigorous nod. "My brother's name is Ran Guang. He is twenty-five years of age. My grandfather is still alive, but the mantle of tribal leader now rests with my father, and it is destined to pass to my brother."

"Had it not been for my intervention, you likely would not be here either," Dao Xuzi remarked, his hand once again finding his belly, a sign of his burgeoning hunger.

Ran Lei offered a contrite smile, "Therefore, my only recourse is to repay your immense kindness in the future, Esteemed Elder."

"Then, why the deception towards me?"

"Our actions were solely to evade pursuit, though she is undeniably the maiden I cherish. That child is her brother." Ayang considered her true identity a matter of grave importance, not to be divulged lightly.

Ayang paused briefly, her gaze flicking towards Ran Lei's profile, but she swiftly lowered her eyes, masking her inner feelings.

Dao Xuzi, unconcerned with such subtleties, felt no further inclination to converse once the essential matters were addressed.

"What are your intentions now?" Gu Qingheng inquired, his attention fixed on Ayang. Should his suspicions hold true, she was indeed Princess Ayang, yet he remained silent, respecting her unspoken desire for discretion.

"We..." Ran Lei glanced back at Ayang. "Our intention is to depart from this mountain and the lands of Miaojiang, venturing towards Daxuan. However, individuals from our homeland previously lent aid to the Flame Sect in nefarious undertakings, thus we cannot simply depart without addressing this. Consequently, we intend to locate the prince who was abducted by the Flame Sect. Even if we cannot secure his rescue, presenting intelligence regarding his whereabouts can serve as a token of our sincerity."

Gu Qingheng's eyes gleamed with newfound interest. "So, you possess some leads?"

Ran Lei nodded affirmatively. "We have gained some traction on the matter."

"Do you require assistance?"

"You..."

"The Flame Sect perpetrates outrages against the people of Daxuan, and as people of Daxuan ourselves, we naturally harbor animosity towards them. Given our recent encounter and burgeoning connection, it seems fitting that we lend our efforts," Gu Qingheng stated with a sigh. "You may be unaware, but the Flame Sect has committed terrible atrocities within Daxuan as well, cruelly harming numerous children by extracting their hearts and lungs..."