The YaoGuais listened quietly to Zhang Nu’s words. They knew he spoke the truth, and they understood he genuinely wanted what was best for Ling Xi.
But knowing the truth didn’t make it any easier. They couldn’t bear the thought of letting her go, not yet. As long as they still lived, as long as they were still here, they felt responsible for her safety. They couldn't simply hand her over to humans. Zhang Nu might be reliable, but he was human, and Ling Xi was YaoGuai. If conflict ever arose, wouldn’t he side with his own people?
“You’re right about everything,” one of the YaoGuais said heavily. “But we still can’t let Ling Xi go with you. Your identities, your loyalties—they're different. How could you ever truly walk the same path?”
Hearing this, Zhang Nu immediately understood their fears. They weren’t being unreasonable. They were just worried about Ling Xi.
“I know what you’re afraid of,” Zhang Nu said gently. “But even if conflict ever happens… we will never sacrifice Ling Xi. She’s our friend. We would never let her come to harm.”
Yet despite his sincerity, the YaoGuais still shook their heads. They couldn’t bring themselves to trust completely.
Seeing the conversation stall, Lin Xiao stepped forward, unwilling to watch Zhang Nu continue to struggle against a wall of stubbornness.
“If you really care about Ling Xi,” Lin Xiao said, his voice sharp, “then you should learn to let go. You can keep her caged today, but can you guard her every day for the rest of her life? What happens the next time she meets someone dangerous? Will she survive without knowing how to fend for herself?”
The YaoGuais fell silent. Every word hit them where it hurt most. They knew Lin Xiao spoke the truth.
Seeing their expressions shift, Zhang Nu realized they were finally listening. Then, Lin Xiao pulled something out from his sleeve and handed it to the YaoGuais.
“This is a locator charm,” he explained. “If you ever want to check on Ling Xi, you can use this to find her. And here, this is a communication talisman. If you’re worried, you can always ask about her. And if we ever mistreat her, you can take her back.”
Hearing that, the YaoGuais visibly relaxed. With these assurances, maybe letting Ling Xi leave wasn’t so terrifying after all.
“…Fine,” one of them said. “We’ll bring Ling Xi out. But you must remember your promise. Protect her well. Do not let her come to harm.”
Zhang Nu and the others nodded solemnly. They would never allow any harm to come to Ling Xi.
Soon, Ling Xi was led out. The moment she spotted Zhang Nu and the others, relief washed over her face. She had been afraid they might abandon her after all. But they were still here, still waiting for her.
“Brother Zhang Nu! You’re still here!” Ling Xi called out excitedly. “They agreed. I can go with you!”
Zhang Nu smiled and nodded. He had been certain it would turn out this way.
“Since everything’s settled,” he said. “Let’s get moving.”
Ling Xi beamed brightly, but when she turned to glance back, her smile wavered. She couldn’t help feeling reluctant. Those YaoGuais had raised her and protected her through everything. Parting from them now felt like tearing something from her chest.
“You all take care,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’ll be back. And when I return, you’d better all still be here.”
The YaoGuais' eyes reddened. To them, Ling Xi was like a child they had watched grow up. And now, that child was setting out on her own.
“We’ll always be here waiting for you,” one of them said hoarsely. “Just be careful out there, and don’t cause them too much trouble.”
Ling Xi nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She looked like she might burst into tears at any moment. Not wanting to see her cry, the YaoGuais quickly turned and left, sparing her and themselves the pain of lingering goodbyes. Once they were gone, Ling Xi wiped at her eyes and followed Zhang Nu and the others.
……
Their journey began anew. What had once been a three-person team had now quietly grown into four.
The four of them traveled together for a long while, until they finally arrived at a small mountain village.
Unlike the heavy, dangerous places they had visited before, this village was peaceful and serene. There was a kind of quiet happiness in the air — the kind that warmed the heart.