Chương 55: Before Leaving

Giant Willow Village.

"Think it, do it"—this had always been Song Que's guiding principle. He had planned to move to the county city months ago, but the New Year had delayed things; only now was he putting it into action. I've been in this world for four years already. Grandee Song suddenly felt a wave of emotion. It had been a long time since he last thought about his life in his previous world. Perhaps knowing he was about to leave this 'hometown' was making him a bit sentimental.

Shaking his head to toss those thoughts aside, Song Que turned back toward the house and shouted:"A'Xiong, come here!" Instantly, Xiong Ba, who had been diligently practicing martial arts to the side, jogged over nimbly. Standing in front of Song Que, he was like a massive iron tower, blocking out the sun. Standing 1.

93 meters tall and weighing over 200 catties, with dark skin, a shiny bald head, and a ferocious, murderous aura born from frequent hunting, Xiong Ba's deterrent effect on the streets was extraordinary. Rest assured, very few people were blind enough to dare approach and cause trouble. At this moment, Princess Mengmeng, who was squinting and enjoying a nap on Song Que's lap, lazily opened an eye, bared her teeth, barked at him, and pointed with her front paw.

"A'Xiong, you're blocking her sunlight." Xiong Ba rubbed his bald head, smiled foolishly, and took a step back. As the sunlight bathed her again, Mengmeng lowered her head in satisfaction.

"Young Master, what is it?" Looking at the big oaf smiling so foolishly, Song Que really wanted to give him a piece of his mind. But fearing that this simpleton wouldn't understand a long lecture, he could only sigh. Xiong Ba, oh Xiong Ba, you'd better f cking stop smiling—at least when we're outside meeting strangers! You normally look so badass and ferocious, but the moment you smile, you look like a total idiot! * It ruins the image! It completely breaks your persona!

From now on, I definitely have to forbid him from smiling in public. Song Que calculated silently.

"Go invite Old Zhong and Aunt Li's entire family over for dinner tonight. I have something to tell them."

"Yes, Young Master!" Xiong Ba shouted loudly and bolted off like a gust of wind. Watching the agile giant, Song Que shook his head, then turned toward the house and yelled:"Wukong, come out!"

"Squeak! Squeak!" A little monkey, now standing waist-high and dressed in a short-sleeved outfit, scurried out of the house nimbly, squeaking syllables that only Song Que and the pets could understand.

"Wukong, we're having a feast today. Go catch some fish with Xiong Ba later. Wait for Lightning to bring back the prey, then prep the food and cook up a few good dishes. We have guests tonight."

"Squeak! Squeak!" Understood, Master! Any other orders? — Wukong seemed to say, nodding like a pounding garlic pestle.

"Bring me a glass of orange juice too."

"Squeak..."...

"Woof! Woof!" Mengmeng and Husky hastily chimed in.

"Right, get a few eggs for Mengmeng and a plate of beef for Husky too. Go." Standing to the side, Wukong immediately straightened up, gave a crisp military salute, and turned to skip back into the house. Looking at the little monkey's retreating figure, Grandee Song felt his joy multiply. Raising this monkey was truly the wisest decision he had made in years. The little creature was clever and nimble, and nourished by the Tesseract's energy, it had grown even stronger and more sensible.

After discovering it could learn and understand most human actions, Song Que was ecstatic. Without hesitation, he transferred a whole suite of 'high-tech' skills to it: environmental sanitation, food processing, laundry... If he were in the modern world, a single phone call would guarantee a visit from the police for a heart-to-heart chat about animal abuse. But here in the Great Yan Dynasty, countless light-years away... Who cares?

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Grandee Song happily embraced his role as a slave-driver, lounging around and enjoying the little monkey's personal service. Only occasionally, when a particularly special dish was needed, did he personally step into the kitchen. The other pets took cues from their master and followed suit. They bossed the gentle, obedient Wukong around with a tilt of their chins, and the monkey happily obliged.

One could say that in this household, the most indispensable member was Wukong, while the two useless furballs lying next to Song Que were just freeloaders. Indeed, ever since Lightning matured, it had taken on the role of primary food provider for the entire family. That stupid Husky was literally a 'nice to have, fine without' existence. With a wingspan reaching 4 meters, Lightning could now hunt and carry back large animals like sheep, wolves, and deer.

Grandee Song's hunting trips became increasingly rare, only going out occasionally to relieve boredom. Lazily taking the glass of orange juice Wukong brought and taking a large gulp, Song Que leaned back into his chair comfortably, closing his eyes to enjoy the moment. He spread his large hand and rubbed Wukong's head a few times as a reward. The obedient little monkey leaned its head into his palm, making it easier for him to pet. So smart and considerate, this little monkey.

Grandee Song grew more and more satisfied with Wukong. I just wonder if the Great Sage Equal to Heaven actually exists in this world... If Eldest Senior Brother were to see me treating Wukong like a maid and a coolie, would he smash me to pieces with a single swing of his Golden-Banded Staff? Song Que smacked his lips in thought, waved his hand to dismiss Wukong, and closed his eyes to continue sunbathing.... Evening. The Song household was filled with crisp laughter.

By the lake, a table of six humans and several pets enthusiastically enjoyed the feast. They chatted about amusing events from the start of the year, the atmosphere incredibly joyous. At noon, Lightning had brought back a deer weighing over 50 catties.

'MasterChef Song' was in high spirits and rolled up his sleeves to show off his skills. A platter of stir-fried venison, grilled meat blocks, blood sausage, and bone marrow soup, all infused with fragrant spices, instantly had everyone drooling. Disregarding their image, they all dug in ravenously. Only Lightning, the handsome eagle, perched aloofly on the treetop, looking down disdainfully at the superficial mortals below.

It didn't eat cooked food, only the raw meat it hunted itself, and never required Song Que to take care of it. Truly a model worker! Once everyone's stomachs were half-full, their eating speed slowed, and they began to chat. Pouring a cup of wine for Old Zhong and Li Xin, Song Que downed his own in one gulp before slowly saying:"Uncle Zhong, A'Xin. In a few days, I will be leaving this place. I probably won't return for a few years." The bustling noise and the clinking of chopsticks came to a dead halt.

Even Aunt Li and Er'ya turned to stare at him intently.

"Sigh, I knew this day would come. That kid A'Hong mentioned it to me before the New Year. It's just that hearing it directly from your mouth now... it's hard to part." Zhong Kui sighed emotionally, then his expression rallied:"But I knew long ago that this place couldn't hold you, A'Que. A full-grown eagle must eventually leave the nest. With this cup of wine, I wish you a safe journey and that you turn danger into fortune." Saying that, he raised his cup and downed it.

Song Que felt a twinge of reluctance to part, but it was fleeting. He immediately smiled, filled two cups, and clinked glasses with Old Zhong.

"Uncle Zhong, after I leave, please look after the Li family for me."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of them. You can set off with a peaceful mind." At this moment, Li Xin seemed to finally wake from a dream and shouted in a panic:"Big Brother, you're leaving?! What about me?! Let me go with you!" Despite his own reluctance, Song Que still tried to counsel the boy:"A'Xin, my journey this time might be dangerous. You're still young. Wait a few years; once the situation is stable, I'll come pick you up. You, Aunt Li, and Er'ya can move into this manor.

From now on, you'll have to shoulder the responsibility for this family. If you run into any difficulties, go to Uncle Zhong; he will help you."

"No! Big Brother, let me go with you! I'm not little anymore! I'm a martial artist now too; I can help you!" Having not shed a tear for years since Old Li passed away, Li Xin's eyes were now red, and he choked out his plea, on the verge of crying.

"Alright, A'Xin. Your mother and Er'ya are still here and need you to take care of them. It's not like I'm never coming back. I'll return in two years at most to pick you up. What are you crying for?"

"A'Xin, wait for me to follow the Young Master and sweep everything away, then we'll come back and pick you up!" Xiong Ba rubbed his bald head, trying to find words to console his companion. But before they could comfort Li Xin, Er'ya burst into loud wails beside them. Snot and tears streaming down her face, she grabbed onto Song Que.

"Brother A'Niu, I won't let you go! Take me with you... waaahhh..." Grandee Song feared no fierce beasts and dreaded no vicious villains, but he was absolutely terrified of crying people! Faced with this scene, his head swelled as big as a bucket. He looked at Aunt Li and Old Zhong with pleading eyes.

"Er'ya, Gou'dan! You two, stop making things difficult for your Big Brother Song! A'Que is going to do big things; you following him will only cause trouble! Be good and stay home with Mom. When he carves out a career, he'll come back to pick you up!"

"That's right, A'Xin. You've got some skills now, but you need more tempering. During this time, follow me and learn how to handle village affairs. In a few years, you'll be perfectly ready to help A'Que." Faced with their advice, Li Xin remained silent, his head bowed, not saying a word. Er'ya, however, cried even louder, looking as if she would rather die than compromise. Watching Aunt Li try to coax and threaten her to no avail as the little girl continued to sob, Song Que's head throbbed.

Seeing Aunt Li raise her hand to spank the girl, his heart ached, and he stopped her.

"Alright, alright! Then everyone can just come together!"

"Really?! Big Brother?!" Sure enough, hearing Song Que agree, the two little brats instantly stopped wailing and looked over excitedly. Li Xin's eyes shone brightly as he asked. Even Er'ya, who was just crying her eyes out, looked at him with blinking, teary eyes. Helpless against the two of them, Song Que smiled bitterly and nodded:"Coming with me is fine, but you two have to convince your mother." The two kids immediately shouted "Hooray!"

and scrambled over, chattering endlessly as they swarmed and tugged at Aunt Li.

"Auntie, since these two kids want to go, why don't you come with us too? Going to the city is a good opportunity to broaden horizons." When Aunt Li first heard Song Que was leaving, her heart had also panicked. Truth be told, over the past few years, the Li family had grown accustomed to living under Song Que's protection. Leaving her and the kids to fend for themselves—even knowing Li Xin had learned some skills—made her feel uncertain and deeply anxious.

She was just a traditional woman who never had much assertiveness. Hearing the two kids beg, and with Song Que suggesting it, she quickly convinced herself. She nodded in agreement. Watching the two kids jump and cheer, Song Que and Old Zhong shook their heads in amusement. However, after this emotional rollercoaster, the atmosphere turned lively and passionate once again. The group joyfully resumed eating and drinking.