Chapter 1498: Chapter 164 Harry’s Story
A shadow flickered, and Ah Dai landed beside Xiao Huan. Carefully cradling the girl’s portrait in both hands, he handed it to Xiao Huan and said with vacant eyes, "Look, isn’t she alive again? She must be. She will never, never die."
Xiao Huan froze and looked at the ash-gray portrait in Ah Dai’s hand. That lifelike face—it was truly hers! Only now did Xiao Huan realize what Ah Dai had been doing. She let out a mournful cry, "Miss—" and the tears, uncontrollable, streamed down once more. The two of them stood silently there, their four eyes fixed unwaveringly on the lifelike portrait. The sorrowful atmosphere thickened around them, ascending higher and higher, as if the forest itself had sensed their grief. The trees shuddered faintly in the caress of the breeze.
After a long while, Ah Dai let out a deep sigh, carefully tucked the girl’s portrait back into his embrace, and said flatly, "Stop crying, Xiao Huan. Let’s go."
Sniffling, Xiao Huan nodded her head and murmured, "Ah Dai, Brother Ah Dai, where are we going now?"
Ah Dai replied, "I’ll take you to a peaceful place. There, you should be able to live a quiet life. That’s what she would have wanted, too." With that, he scooped up Xiao Huan’s slender figure, jumped into the air, determined the direction, and flew southwestward. His destination was none other than the quiet village where Harry resided. The distance between Mica Province and Hak Village, where the Western Swordsman Harry lived, wasn’t too far. After a day of flying, Ah Dai crossed the border between the Empire of Tian Jing and the Federation of Soyu. Another day was spent traversing Mount Tian Gang, bringing them into the Province of Light within the Empire of Huasheng.
Two days had passed, and the grief in Xiao Huan’s heart had diminished somewhat. She was gradually growing accustomed to the feeling of being carried during flight. Whenever memories of the girl came to her mind, she would ask Ah Dai for the portrait, to recall the moments she had spent with her in the past.
Thanks to the protective energy of Ah Dai’s vital qi, the biting wind could no longer reach Xiao Huan’s body. Watching the passing scenery below with misty eyes, Xiao Huan murmured softly, "Brother Ah Dai, why can you fly?"
Ah Dai glanced at Xiao Huan. After two days of hurrying, the blocked meridians in his body had loosened somewhat, allowing him to maintain his current pace without issue. Truth be told, he lacked the state of mind to fully recuperate right now. Hearing Xiao Huan’s question, he responded indifferently, "It’s a form of martial arts."
Having no understanding of martial arts, Xiao Huan shifted the topic, "Where are you taking me? Will I stay with you from now on?"
Ah Dai shook his head, saying, "I am a harbinger of misfortune. Remaining with me might put you in danger. I’ll arrange for you to stay in a peaceful place. There, no harm will come to you. It’s the least I can do, as my final promise to her."
Gazing at Ah Dai’s unremarkable face, Xiao Huan lowered her voice and said, "If Miss were still alive, how wonderful that would be. Xiao Huan would willingly serve you both for a lifetime." Over the past two days, Xiao Huan had come to realize that although Ah Dai’s demeanor was icy and indifferent, he was a person of profound loyalty and deep feeling. Moreover, his emotions for Tifya appeared immeasurably strong; her death had left an enormous scar on him.
Ah Dai’s body quivered slightly, and he spoke in a low voice, "She’s alive. She will always be alive. In my heart, she’ll forever remain that gentle, fragile girl. I will carry her with me always."
The Light and Dark River was already in sight, and Hak Village remained as peaceful as ever. The farmers busied themselves with their toil. Ah Dai descended with Xiao Huan near a small grassy slope not far from Hak Village and said softly, "Xiao Huan, would you be willing to live a quiet life in that village? There, no one will bully you, no one will look down on you. All you’ll find are simple, kind-hearted villagers."
Looking at the small village encircled by fields ahead, Xiao Huan’s eyes revealed a glimmer of hope as she nodded and said, "I am willing. Miss often said that if she had a peaceful place where she could live safely, she would be content. I feel the same. A quiet life is all I wish for. But... will the people here accept me?" Ah Dai gave Xiao Huan a glance, sighed, and said, "Her thoughts were just like mine. If she were still alive, we could have lived peacefully here together. Let’s go. There’s someone I know here, an elder, who will look after you."
Ah Dai started walking toward Hak Village with Xiao Huan. Just as they reached the edge of the village, Ah Dai’s gaze caught sight of Harry’s eldest son. He was helping some villagers move possessions. Under the sunlight, his honest face glistened with droplets of sweat. Though slightly fatigued, it was clear to Ah Dai that his spirit was joyful.
Upon hearing the call, Hasan visibly startled. He turned his gaze toward Ah Dai, froze for a moment, then immediately recognized him. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, "Ah! Aren’t you Ah Dai? Have you come to visit us? That’s wonderful! My father will be thrilled to hear you’re here."
Looking at Hasan’s genuine and simple smile, Ah Dai couldn’t help but feel a warmth rise in his heart. He waved to Xiao Huan, saying, "Come, Xiao Huan, let me introduce you."
Xiao Huan shyly approached Ah Dai, head lowered, not daring to meet Hasan’s firm gaze. Though Xiao Huan wasn’t particularly beautiful, her features were clean and delicate. Having little experience with the outside world, Hasan awkwardly stammered, "Brother Ah Dai, this doesn’t seem like the cold, aloof girl from before."
