Chapter 1627: Chapter 949: Farewells Always Come in a Hurry (Part 3)
The remaining days were peaceful and fulfilling. Yang Xiao took the time to return to Xiang Ma Town to settle the affairs within the sect.
In fact, this was merely Yang Xiao’s wishful thinking. As the Sect Hierarch, he was undoubtedly incompetent, having been almost a hands-off manager for years. It was Tong Han who had been managing everything, and for the past six months, Sui had also been helping. Now, the Sun and Moon Divine Sect stood as the strongest force in Xiang Ma Town.
Although Tong Han and Sui Chengguo were reluctant to see Yang Xiao leave, they knew that going to the Provincial Office was the right path. To reach this stage, Yang Xiao had put in endless sweat and effort, all of which everyone had witnessed.
After visiting Tong Han and Sui, Yang Xiao didn’t forget to see his Second Demon Uncle and his two senior brothers. He even got to drink the Laba porridge personally cooked by Senior Brother Qingfeng.
"Junior Brother, rest assured and go. We’re here to look after things at home. If you get bullied outside, send a word, and I’ll have Senior Brother Ming Yue come and stand up for you!" Daoist Qingfeng, though not tall, had always been the most caring towards his junior brother Yang Xiao.
"Xiao, Qinglan City is different from Rongcheng. The waters there run much deeper, with the three major forces tangled in conflicts and various sects having footholds there. You’re unfamiliar with the place, so you must be cautious." Second Demon Uncle said.
"Disciple will heed Uncle’s teachings." Yang Xiao knelt to kowtow to his Second Demon Uncle.
"But what Qingfeng said is also correct. You shouldn’t bully others, nor should you let outsiders bully us. If you do encounter someone unreasonable, and you can’t beat them, just concede for the moment to save your life. Come to me after, and I’ll stand up for you." Second Demon Taoist changed the tone of his advice.
"Thank you, Uncle! Thank you, Senior Brothers!" Yang Xiao was moved to tears.
"Get up, you’re already a Deputy Captain of the Provincial Office. You’ve brought us pride, and in the future, your uncle will surely have some matters to trouble you with." Second Demon Uncle smiled.
"The matters of Uncle and Senior Brothers are also my matters. If there’s anything needed, just have Tong Han contact me," Yang Xiao explained. "Now that Tong Han and the Sun and Moon Divine Sect have been incorporated into the Provincial Office, it’s like they’ve secured half a bowl of official rice, making our dealings much more convenient in the future."
"Yes, Xiao, you handled this well, very steadily. With this identity, their future days will be much easier." Second Demon Uncle rarely praised.
"Uncle, do you still have enough Life-extending Ointment?" Yang Xiao inquired.
"I have enough. The quantity you brought back last time was plentiful, and the quality was good. Even if I exert myself fully, it can last for a year and a half."
"That’s great. Next time when I return to the Esoteric Sect, I’ll get some more to bring back for you, Uncle." Yang Xiao promised.
"Hmm, then... thank you for the trouble." Second Demon Uncle had never seen anyone as agreeable as Yang Xiao in decades.
"Senior Brother Qingfeng, remember to write me a list of the herbal medicines you need, and also... the martial arts secret manuals that Junior Brother Ming Yue needs. I’ll bring them back while I’m at the Esoteric Sect." Yang Xiao had an agreement with the Esoteric Cannibal Buddha; once the domestic matters were settled, he would return to visit, primarily to escort the Mirror Ghost to reunite with Sutana.
"Hahaha, still our junior brother’s words are the most comforting." Daoist Qingfeng laughed heartily, then pulled out a folded paper from his chest, densely packed with names of herbs, "Junior Brother, I’m counting on you. Your senior brother didn’t prepare it ahead of time; you know how he is. Last night, unable to sleep, I just scribbled a few lines out of boredom."
"By the way, it’s not just for me. There’s also Junior Brother Ming Yue’s on the latter part." Daoist Qingfeng hurriedly explained, not wanting Ming Yue to freeload on the favor.
Yang Xiao turned to look at the always serious Senior Brother Ming Yue. In the next instant, Ming Yue touched his bald head and revealed a silly smile.
Yang Xiao also smiled, folded the paper carefully, and tucked it away, "It’s a small matter. Rest assured, Senior Brothers, I’ll do my best, and I think the Esoteric Sect will undoubtedly give me this face."
"Junior Brother, the road over the mountain is long and distant, please take care!" Daoist Qingfeng reluctantly escorted Yang Xiao to the back door of the hotel before finally parting.
Before parting, he reminded Yang Xiao of the hurried journey and not to lose that herbal list paper as he didn’t have a backup.
After returning to Rongcheng, Yang Xiao visited some old friends who had been good to him over the years. For people with prestigious identities, like Chamber of Commerce President Chi Zhongheng, he personally visited with gifts.
Though he was leaving Rongcheng, Director Nalan and the others still needed to manage things here and deal with the Chamber of Commerce. His proactive visit also earned Director Nalan some face.
He didn’t forget to organize a gathering and treat the leaders of the Patrol Defense Office. Everyone gave him face, including all seven directors such as Nalan Shuo Huang Guozhao, who attended and enjoyed the evening. Over these years, everyone had formed a good impression of Yang Xiao.
His personal abilities were undeniable, visible to everyone. For years, half of the evil cultivators eradicated in Rongcheng were directly or indirectly related to Yang Xiao.
What’s most important is that he’s straightforward in his dealings, never forgetting others when there are benefits. Last time when they dealt with Yiling Academy, he gave them a hard hit and distributed the benefits to everyone.
Whether they attended or not, as long as they were in the Patrol Defense Office lineup, everyone got a share. Afterward, mentioning Director Yang brought universal praise, and his grassroots support was so strong that he even overshadowed some veteran directors within the Rongcheng Patrol Division.
On the last night before leaving, Yang Xiao spent it with the brothers of the investigation team, treating everyone to a grand feast at the most luxurious hotel in Rongcheng, with plenty of seafood and drinks.
After all, it was his starting point. Looking at the slightly flushed faces, Yang Xiao recalled the days when they fought side by side, dealing with one spiritual incident after another.
In those times, he was neither mature nor strong enough, and in several dangerous situations, he managed to pull through because everyone was supporting each other.
The investigation team was a highly dangerous post within the Patrol Division, the first to confront spiritual incidents. Back then, under Wu Zhengwu’s leadership, the entire team perished in the Ghost phone incident.
Slowly, Yang Xiao shifted his gaze to the chair farthest away from him.
It was a private room in the hotel. The round table was large, and although only five people were present, there were six chairs, with an old coat draped over the back of the last empty chair.
"Zhi Jie, I’m leaving. I’ll come back to visit when I have time. I hope you can bless everyone to be well from the heavens." Yang Xiao murmured, raising his wine glass.
