Elder brother's garrison

Page 363

So, the person who saved me yesterday was actually Lu Lin? She's the one who killed the Deepsea Abyss ship that attacked the village?

Holy crap, this kid... he might save the world!

Young Linglan, looking at the little white dog in front of her, felt a surge of pride, a feeling that good deeds are indeed rewarded, rising from the bottom of her heart in an instant.

Chapter 465 Do you need a bed warmer?

The crackling sound of burning echoed through the village. After the newly built wooden houses were gradually consumed by the orange-red flames, the fiery mountain-like scene finally began to fade away, leaving only a large patch of charred black that made people frown.

For any adult in the village, deep-sea attacks were something they'd experienced seventeen or eighty times in their lifetime, if not seventy or eighty. It wasn't the kind of thing that would terrify them every time they witnessed it. They just had to hide. While the deep-sea bombardment looked terrifying, like the end of the world, the deep-sea amphibious ships weren't actually targeting people.

They are only interested in destroying human homes; harming humans is just a side effect.

This is why the village was able to maintain a minimum level of vitality despite such devastation; although many were wounded in each attack, very few died.

But this time, after the villagers had become accustomed to tense hiding, they were expecting the deep-sea ships to act recklessly in the grass. However, they were surprised to see something that left everyone speechless.

The little girl who had been adopted by Suzuran and whose whereabouts were unknown suddenly burst out of the jungle like a gust of wind when the Abyssal Fleet bombed the village. Her speed was unbelievable, and even the eyes couldn't keep up with her.

She stood at the edge of the village, staring blankly at the ravaged village for a while. Then, as if she had mistakenly thought that Lily of the Valley had already died, tears streamed down her face. With a wave of her hand, several balls of blue flames, like her outstretched arms, intertwined and rose into the sky, creating a whistling wind. They flew towards the top of the Deepsea Abyss Ship and instantly annihilated the enemy.

The deep-sea amphibious ships, whose armor was considered absolutely impenetrable and whose massive bodies could easily push over a house with a single movement, were bombed to smithereens, as if they were made of paper.

"Amazing! Amazing! Lu Lin! You're incredible!" Linglan's face flushed with excitement as she walked up to Xiaobai, picked it up from the ground, and spun it around in the air. "Is this the technology for the deep sea?! It's amazing! You're so awesome!"

Just then, the village chief, who was at the very back of the jungle, was also helped out. His lips trembled as he looked at Xiaobai as if he had seen a savior.

Xiao Bai understood that look. After all, these were people who had survived for hundreds of years under the ravages of the deep sea, which was widely considered untouchable and irresistible. Their fear of the deep sea had long since materialized. Even when the village chief asked Xiao Bai a question, he didn't ask for much; he simply inquired whether Xiao Bai had any concerns about the emergence of deep-sea technology.

Perhaps in the hearts of these humans, although the hope of defeating the deep sea still remains, the arrival of this victory should be considered a very, very, very long time from now.

It was under this mindset that they witnessed Xiaobai's carrier-based aircraft destroying the Abyssal Fleet, and saw the once invincible enemy as fragile as an ant in Xiaobai's hands. Naturally, they regarded Xiaobai as a savior.

Lily of the Valley held Little White up for a long time before putting her back on the ground.

Compared to the jubilant villagers, Xiaobai's mood was not particularly pleasant. Looking at Linglan's happy expression, she couldn't smile herself, and a subtle sadness welled up in her heart.

It was because Xiaobai was worried about Linglan's safety that she subconsciously exposed her carrier-based aircraft, which made her finally realize just how fragile human lives were in the era of the "disruption".

Xiao Bai's thoughts have finally shifted from the stable and secure modern world to the era of upheaval.

—Lily of the Valley survived this time, but what about next time?

The lily of the valley that's smiling at you, cheering you on, and being so kind to you, might very well be the one to perish in the deep sea the next time you're not paying attention.

That's too dangerous. Xiaobai won't allow that to happen.

"Sister Lily of the Valley," Xiaobai called softly.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Is there something you want?"

"...How about we let the whole village leave this place?" Xiaobai asked.

Xiao Bai was now the center of attention, everyone was watching him, so after Xiao Bai said those words, everyone who was cheering quickly stopped.

They looked at Xiaobai with puzzled expressions.

"Why are we leaving?" Linglan was stunned. "Lu Lin, aren't you super powerful? So many deep-sea creatures couldn't hurt you. You killed them all with a wave of your hand. With you here, why are we leaving?"

Xiao Bai looked at the lily of the valley with a slightly bitter expression.

She couldn't stay with Linglan forever. Xiaobai needed to go home. Although everyone in Linglan's village was kind, they couldn't provide Xiaobai with the warmth of family. Xiaobai would definitely have to leave to find the energy that could support her journey home.

Without Xiaobai, wouldn't the Abyssal Fleet be able to bully these people at will again? How many Abyssal attacks has Suzuran survived to this day? Will she even live to see another one? Nobody can say for sure. Although the whole village always presents a thriving atmosphere, Xiaobai definitely wouldn't believe anyone who says it's safe.

Needless to say, the fact that Xiaobai has been here for two days and hasn't seen Linglan's parents even once is enough to tell you this.

Where did Lily of the Valley's parents go? What happened? The answer is self-evident.

"My carrier-based aircraft have limited usage. After a few more uses, I won't be able to use them anymore," Xiaobai said to Linglan.

"what?"

"I need to replenish resources for my carrier-based aircraft. There aren't any resources available here, and it's not safe either. Like we said before, let's go find a more advanced city," Xiaobai suggested.

Xiao Bai's words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the villagers' joy.

"Are there any restrictions?" Lily asked, bewildered.

"Yes," Xiaobai nodded.

While there is indeed a limit to the number of times one's ship equipment can be used, it is actually not as few as one claims. As a land-based ship equipment, it can support her in seamless, continuous, and intense battles for a mere three or four days without any problem. However, since the goal is to persuade Suzuran to leave the village, Shiro must make the situation sound a little more serious.

After listening to Xiaobai's words, the villagers who had been shouting just now gradually fell silent.

“It’s too risky,” Linglan said to Xiaobai. “There are hundreds of us. We need to eat and sleep. The daily energy expenditure is far beyond what one or two people can handle.”

"..." Xiaobai lowered his head.

"Lu Lin, do you want to leave?" Linglan saw through Xiaobai's words. She tightened her grip on Xiaobai's shoulders slightly, and her brows trembled.

Linglan realized that Xiaobai was tacitly agreeing, and she opened her mouth: "Lu Lin... no..."

"Lily of the Valley, stop talking." Just then, the village chief, who was at the back of the crowd, interrupted Lily of the Valley. He was the first among the villagers to calm down. He took a deep breath, walked up to Lily of the Valley, and looked at the little white dog in front of her.

The village chief's eyes shifted, from joy, dependence, and relief to loneliness, sorrow, and hope, a mixture of emotions that finally culminated in a final sigh.

The village chief turned around and looked at the villagers standing around him.

“You all heard that, so let me ask you, who is willing to go with the little girl?” the village chief asked.

The village chief's voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears because of the silence around them.

Everyone lowered their heads.

“Those who want to go with her, raise your hands,” the village chief said again.

Still no response.

All the villagers looked at Xiaobai with expressions of longing for him to stay, but not a single one dared to raise their hand.

—Yes, staying here won't change anything. Although the attacks from the deep sea are continuous, at least we can survive. But if we recklessly follow Xiaobai, we might not die at the hands of the deep sea, but we might starve or die of thirst on the way.

Compared to the slim chance of gambling, most people prefer to live a life of mere survival.

"Sigh—" The village chief only sighed softly. He turned to look at Xiaobai and said, "Little girl, this is our answer."

Xiao Bai nodded, looking somewhat disappointed.

“Little girl, you’re not going to stay here, are you?” the village chief said to Xiaobai. “I can tell you seem to have some kind of goal on your mind.”

Xiaobai nodded.

"...Then don't worry about the looks from us pathetic people." The village chief gave Little White a bright smile. "We hope you will stay and protect us, but you have technology that can defeat the deep sea, and humanity needs you more. If your mission is related to this, then go with peace of mind."

The village chief's expression was completely calm, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him.

"However, young lady, I have a favor to ask, and I hope you can grant it." The village chief said this, then solemnly composed himself and looked at Xiaobai.

Xiao Bai couldn't speak, but looked at the village chief with a puzzled expression.

“I can see that you do have a goal, young lady, but I can also see that you’re not good at managing daily life,” the village chief asked. “So, even if it’s just to take in someone to help you warm your bed, take this girl, Linglan, with you.”

"Huh!?" Xiaobai exclaimed in shock.

"Grandpa?!" Linglan, who was holding Xiaobai's shoulder and was preparing to die for him, was also shocked.

"What are you yelling about? You're the only one in this village who's close to this girl. Do you want her to find a young man to keep her company?" The village chief snorted heavily and said to Linglan.

"Huh? No, um... what..."

"Can the little girl handle the food and shelter issues all by herself?" the village chief asked.

“...It seems not.” Linglan glanced at Xiaobai and said.

Xiao Bai covered her face and nodded shyly.

Chapter 466 Leaving

After sending Linglan to Xiaobai's side like a maid, the village chief showed an absolutely unyielding will, completely different from the kind and easy-going old man before, and sealed off all possibilities and escape routes for Linglan to refuse.

Linglan stared in disbelief at her grandfather, who had already begun to make arrangements for his funeral.

"I...did I do something wrong?" Linglan remained gripping Xiaobai's shoulders, looking bewildered as if she had been betrayed.

The village chief shook his head, offering no explanation. He simply looked at Xiaobai, gazing at her with hopeful eyes for a moment before turning his somewhat hunched back and walking back towards the charred village.

The villagers, who had previously experienced a system outage due to receiving a large amount of information, returned to the village under the leadership of the village chief.

Only Xiaobai and Linglan were left on the edge of the village.

Linglan felt the wind was so strong today, making her feel so cold. Amidst the coldness and indifference of people, only the little girl in front of her still had some warmth left.

"Sister Lily of the Valley," Xiaobai called softly.

"Huh?" Linglan looked at Xiaobai with a complicated expression.

"Please take care of me from now on." Xiaobai smiled at Linglan.

Suzuran's current situation is somewhat similar to that of Shiro when he was the admiral, as he was also sold off by his own family.

Xiaobai wasn't quite sure why, but just the fact that Linglan would be with her made her much happier.

—Actually, it's a little selfish to say this, but compared to the others whom he hadn't even spoken to much, Xiaobai was more worried about the safety of Linglan, who had saved him. If it was just about Linglan keeping him company and being able to take her away from this hopeless place, Xiaobai would be very willing.

Moreover, the energy expenditure wouldn't be that high for just two people.

Linglan pursed her lips, looked at the little white girl in front of her, and nodded with immense sorrow. Then she pulled the little girl into her arms and hugged her tightly.

It was as if she hoped that the warmth from Xiaobai's body could transfer to her own, melting away the sadness of being sold by her grandfather.

Of course, Shiro and Suzuran weren't leaving immediately. The carrier-based aircraft controlled by the Deep Sea Will took to the sky and were searching for possible locations of advanced cities for Shiro. At least until the information was reported back, Shiro had no reason to leave the village where Suzuran lived.

Linglan and Xiaobai returned to the village. To the astonishment of the villagers, Linglan, with an air of "I'm not going to get rid of you so easily," went to find her grandfather. The two of them ran to a secluded corner and argued with Huohua for a while before Linglan, with red eyes, returned to Xiaobai's side. Wiping away her tears, she and Xiaobai rebuilt their old house once again.

After witnessing Xiaobai's fighting prowess, the villagers no longer had any objections to his existence. Although Xiaobai himself said that his number of battles was limited, at least for now, as long as Xiaobai stayed in the village, the village would be safe for a day.

Xiaobai and Linglan quietly returned to the village. During the day, Xiaobai taught the children, while Linglan devoted most of her time to her grandfather after finishing her work, taking care of the old man. In the evening, Xiaobai and Linglan would leave the village together until the moon was high in the sky and the night was shrouded in darkness, and then they would quietly return to their room.

No one knows what they did at night.

As if the decision to leave that day had never happened, Linglan and Xiaobai lived their lives in the village as if it were nothing out of the ordinary, like coal trying to radiate its remaining warmth, their whole being filled with love for a peaceful life.

Then, during this time, the villagers gradually rebuilt the houses, the tools were slowly made back, the scorched land was renovated, and life in the village slowly returned to normal. The Deep Sea Ship was also quite well-behaved during this period and never went ashore again. As a result, the children in the village enjoyed a rare period of carefree time.

In the blink of an eye, more than sixty days and nights have passed by unnoticed.

That day, after finishing her lesson with the children, Shiro was about to go out with Suzuran when, as if guided by something, she looked up at the sky. She stretched out her hand, and a small fireball floated down from the clear sky.

This little fireball was incredibly intelligent, like a little bird. After Xiaobai stretched out her hands, it floated on Xiaobai's palms, hovering in the air and making a checkmark.

This is Xiaobai's carrier-based aircraft.

Xiao Bai stared at her carrier-based aircraft for a while, then closed her eyes. After a short while, she opened them and looked at Linglan standing behind her: "Sister Linglan, we found it."

"What did you find?"

"We've found a clue about a high-level city," Xiaobai said.

Linglan paused for a moment, her expression shifting from joy to melancholy. Finally, she nodded and murmured a soft "Mmm."

After that, Xiaobai lived with Linglan in the village for two months. During these two months, the relationship between Linglan and Xiaobai gradually warmed up as they spent time together. Although they were not blood sisters, they were almost like sisters.

As someone who knows Xiaobai quite well, Linglan understands what Xiaobai means by these words: Xiaobai has found clues to a high-level city, and she has no reason to stay in the village any longer; it's time for her to leave.

"Sister Linglan, will you come with me?" Xiaobai asked Linglan.

"Yes, we agreed to go together." Although Linglan still looked a little lonely, she replied to Xiaobai decisively.

"Thank you." Xiaobai thought for a long time but didn't know what to say, so she could only thank Linglan.

"There's nothing to thank me for. Grandpa told me to go with you so that I could make something of myself and go back to the village to give back to society and save the people." Linglan shook her head, shaking off her sadness, and then gave Xiaobai a bright smile.

It seems that the two-month buffer period has allowed Suzuran to accept reality.

Linglan and Xiaobai didn't greet the villagers again. Linglan went back into the house, packed up the dried meat, some fruit, and the cup for sleeping on the floor that she had prepared over the past two months, made them into a big bag, carried it on her back, and left with Xiaobai.

The villagers working in the village watched as Linglan, carrying a package, walked out of the village with Xiaobai. They all seemed to understand something, and showed a wry smile, but did not go up to say anything more.

Saying goodbye is not only difficult for Suzuran, but also for everyone else.

On this day, shortly after Xiaobai and Linglan left, the villagers heard a loud, explosive sound, like a bombing, coming from the direction of the sea at the edge of the village. The howling sound, like scissors, kept tearing at the setting sun until the moon gradually replaced the battered sun and rose from the ocean, and only then did the intense explosions slowly subside.

The adults in the village seemed to know something, but they all remained silent.

Inside the village chief's house, the village chief, with tears streaming down his face, came out. He sat on the steps by the door, leaning on his cane, looking towards the sea, muttering something with his mouth opening and closing.

From that day on, Lily of the Valley and Little White disappeared from the village.