Super Combat Soldier

Chapter 1190: Chapter 1189: Tasting Rice Wine, Heartfelt Conversation

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”Senior, we’re already very grateful that you can take in the two of us who have nowhere to go. If there’s anything I can help with, I’ll do my utmost!” Ye Tianchen lifted the bowl of rice wine, looking earnestly at the old fisherman as he spoke.

”Yes, Senior, I’ll stay here to hunt and fish with you in the future. I don’t ask for an equal share, just enough to fill my belly!” Xiao Ling chuckled as she spoke.

Ye Tianchen shook his head, feeling helpless towards this mischievous girl Xiao Ling. This girl was unpredictable, always thinking about who knows what. Sometimes she was adorable, sometimes quirky, sometimes kind and warm-hearted, and slightly eccentric. It wasn’t easy for the old fisherman to take them in, yet Xiao Ling casually suggested freeloading.

”Senior, this little girl doesn’t know any manners, please don’t mind her!” Ye Tianchen smiled at the old fisherman.

”It’s fine, it’s fine. Xiao Ling is like a granddaughter to me. She helped me chop vegetables just now. This girl is wonderful; Brother Ye, you should cherish her!” The old fisherman laughed.

Upon hearing this, Ye Tianchen didn’t know how to respond. After all, he and Xiao Ling had experienced a few ambiguous situations, but they both purposefully avoided overthinking them to prevent awkwardness. However, the old fisherman unknowingly brought up the topic, leaving Ye Tianchen to respond with an awkward smile, while Xiao Ling’s cheeks blushed, unsure of what to do!

Seeing the two young people rendered speechless after his comment, the old fisherman seemed to realize his words had put them in an awkward spot. He deliberately laughed loudly, saying, ”Brother Ye, Xiao Ling, drink the wine and see how my homemade rice wine tastes?”

”It smells great; I’m sure it tastes good too. I’ll have a sip!” Xiao Ling, trying to avoid further awkwardness, grabbed the bowl of wine and took a big gulp. Unexpectedly, after swallowing, she rushed outside the bamboo hut, coughing heavily as she got choked!

”This silly girl, rice wine is different from other wines; although it smells nice, it’s quite coarse. You can’t just take a big swig; it’s easy to get choked.” The old fisherman was about to stand up to check on Xiao Ling as he spoke.

”Senior, just sit here with me. We’ll enjoy the wine slowly. This little girl needs to learn a lesson, or she’ll become unruly!” Ye Tianchen jokingly stopped the old fisherman.

The old fisherman hesitated for a moment, then sat back down to enjoy the wine with Ye Tianchen. The rice wine was indeed sweet, and Ye Tianchen found himself drinking more than he intended. As he chatted and drank with the old fisherman, in such a world, in such unfamiliar surroundings, he cherished the company of such a kind and genuine person. This fisherman senior was a simple man, living in this environment for seven thousand years, peacefully and without contention. His life attitude was something Ye Tianchen admired.

”Brother Ye, there is something I’m unsure if I should ask...” The old fisherman looked at Ye Tianchen, hesitating as he spoke.

”Senior, you’re a kind person, living a life without contention. Just ask whatever you want; I won’t lie to you!” Ye Tianchen replied earnestly.

”Hmm, Brother Ye, ever since I first saw you, I felt you’re different from other martial artists who come to the Penglai Fairy Island!” The old fisherman looked at Ye Tianchen.

”Oh? What’s different?” Ye Tianchen was surprised, not expecting the old fisherman to see through his intentions. For a mere mortal to discern his purpose, it was no simple feat!

The old fisherman took a sip of rice wine from his cup and said, ”I guide powerful martial artists to the Penglai Fairy Island. Although I’m a mortal, I’ve encountered many martial artists, each with different intentions. They come to Penglai Fairy Island for one thing—the chance of eternal life, hoping to find something that can enhance their cultivation and lifespan on this island. So, every martial artist begins searching once they land, but you didn’t. There’s only one reason for that: you’re not here for the usual reasons, but you have your own goal and plan, just waiting to be executed!”

Hearing the old fisherman’s words, Ye Tianchen was genuinely shocked. He hadn’t expected the old fisherman to be so astute, seeing through his purpose for coming to ”Penglai Fairy Island.” This was something Ye Tianchen didn’t expect, feeling some admiration as he said, ”To be honest, Senior, this time I’m in the Penglai Ancient Martial World for a crucial and dangerous task. That’s why I didn’t want you to know!”

”What matter can’t we be informed about? After all, I’ve accompanied you through life and death; being so secretive seems disloyal!” Xiao Ling came in from outside the bamboo house, her face flushed with a slight drunkenness. More importantly, there were still tears in her eyes; it seemed she was genuinely choked earlier.

”It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, it’s truly too dangerous. Even I’m unsure of success; I might die in this Penglai Ancient Martial World, unable to return!” Ye Tianchen spoke seriously and solemnly.

At this point, the old fisherman glanced at Ye Tianchen, smiling as he said, ”Brother Ye, I feel a bond with you, and though I’ve lived for seven thousand years, I’ve met many people, including many martial artists. However, most of them are condescending, seeing mortal lives as insignificant. Only you recognize the value in an old man like me. Therefore, if there’s anything I can do to help, I will do my utmost!”

Ye Tianchen paused for a moment, seeing Xiao Ling’s fierce gaze, knowing that if he didn’t tell her the truth, she’d never let it rest. Looking at the old fisherman, so genuine and sincere, wanting to assist him, how could Ye Tianchen refuse or bear to hurt their feelings?

Thinking of this, Ye Tianchen smiled and said, ”Senior, Xiao Ling, since you want to know, I’ll tell you. However, I must say upfront that you must not interfere in this matter because it is beyond your capacity to handle; it’s simply too dangerous!”

”Pfft, who wants to meddle in your affairs? I’m just curious!” Xiao Ling rolled her eyes at Ye Tianchen.

”Rest assured, Brother Ye, though I’ve lived for seven thousand years, life is still preferable. Fishing and drinking leisurely is quite nice; I’m not one to seek death!” The old fisherman laughed along.

Ye Tianchen nodded and then began, ”Alright, I’ll tell you. In fact, I came to the Penglai Ancient Martial World to find the third fragment of the Ancient Transmission Array and obtain it!”

”Hmm? Fragment of the Ancient Transmission Array? The third piece? What is that?” Xiao Ling looked puzzled as she asked.

”I mentioned it to you last time; this isn’t your usual reaction, right?” Ye Tianchen glanced at Xiao Ling.

”I was fooling you; I really don’t know what that is, silly!” Xiao Ling stuck out her tongue, mischievously smiling at Ye Tianchen.

Ye Tianchen shook his head, speechless. This little girl was truly someone to be warily watched, ready to spin you around with deception until her lies were uncovered.

”Brother Ye, this fragment of the Ancient Transmission Array you speak of, is it the rumored item similar to a compass, shattered long ago?” The old fisherman thought for a moment and asked.

”Yes, Senior, have you heard of it?” Ye Tianchen asked in surprise.

Logically speaking, living for seven thousand years in the Penglai Ancient Martial World, the old fisherman would have met many powerful martial artists. Those who could reach this place wouldn’t be weak. Naturally, the old fisherman would have heard many tales and strange stories from such martial artists. However, matters concerning the fragment of the Ancient Transmission Array were rarely mentioned openly, as it was a matter of great significance. Most people wouldn’t disclose such information lightly for fear of being pursued by powerful entities. So how did the old fisherman come to know about it?

”Hmm, every so often, I visit the township within Penglai Ancient Martial World and trade the fish I catch for things I might need. Once, in a small tavern, I overheard two martial artists discussing something about the fragment of the Ancient Transmission Array,” the old fisherman recalled.

”Senior, do you remember what those two martial artists looked like?” Ye Tianchen felt a surge of excitement. He hadn’t expected the old fisherman to have overheard a conversation about the Ancient Transmission Array fragment. Finding those two individuals might yield unexpected insights. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)