Supernatural Brokers Rampaging in the Human World - Chapter 181 - Wen Dao

The “few days later” Hai Chen had mentioned somehow stretched into years, until he turned eighteen.

Hu Jiu had always stayed in the mountains, where the villagers lived in blissful ignorance of the passage of time or the outside world. Wangpo Village was like a hidden paradise-life was simple and a bit austere, but it was peaceful and safe.

However, shortly after Hai Chen’s eighteenth birthday, this tranquil existence was disrupted. Strangers arrived in the village.

The newcomers were soldiers, clad in armor and bearing weapons. The leader of the group was strikingly handsome, though he carried himself with an air of authority that made him seem unapproachable. From the moment he entered the village, his cold demeanor didn’t stop the local women from stealing glances at him.

Hai Chen is handsome too, Hu Jiu thought to herself, secretly annoyed. She didn’t like this man-she couldn’t explain why, but her dislike was instant and instinctive.

The leader, who introduced himself as Wen Dao, was injured, as were the soldiers accompanying him. Their wounds were severe, and the scent of blood clinging to their armor and weapons was overwhelming, making Hu Jiu want to stay as far away from them as possible.

But fate had other plans. Since there were few spare rooms in the village, Hai Chen ended up offering Wen Dao a storage room in his house.

Wen Dao explained that he was a general who had been betrayed and forced to flee into the mountains. He had stumbled upon Wangpo Village by chance and requested shelter until his injuries healed, promising to repay the villagers once he returned.

The villagers, kind-hearted as ever, agreed without hesitation. They knew that the surrounding area was desolate, and without their help, these men wouldn’t survive.

Wangpo Village, though small, had everything necessary for survival. One family had been healers for generations, passing down medical knowledge and remedies. Hai Chen and some of the young women began gathering herbs from the mountains to treat the soldiers’ wounds.

Hu Jiu watched from the sidelines, noticing how the young women envied Hai Chen for being close to Wen Dao. They all seemed to fancy the general.

What’s so great about this man? Hu Jiu thought, irritated as she watched Hai Chen tirelessly care for Wen Dao. She often glared at the general when Hai Chen wasn’t looking.

Wen Dao found the cat amusing. He seemed to think Hu Jiu was jealous, as she kept sneaking glares at him.

The soldiers, being strong and healthy, recovered quickly. Within two weeks, most of them were back on their feet. During this time, Hai Chen often listened to their stories about the outside world-the bustling cities, the breathtaking landscapes. Hu Jiu, overhearing these tales, couldn’t help but feel a spark of curiosity. She had never seen the world beyond the mountains either.

One day, Hu Jiu overheard a conversation between Hai Chen and Wen Dao about Hai Chen’s name.

“I’ve never come across the surname ‘Hai’ before,” Wen Dao remarked, initiating the topic. Despite his initial coldness, Wen Dao revealed himself to be witty and insightful, making Hai Chen enjoy their conversations more and more.

“Well…” Hai Chen chuckled awkwardly, “You’ve probably figured it out-I’m an orphan. My name is something I made up myself. When I was little, everyone called me ‘Nina’ because I was found by the villagers on the ninth day of the lunar month.

“Later, when I was a bit older, one of the villagers who had traveled outside told me about the sea. He said he had seen many wonders, but the sea was the one thing he couldn’t forget. He described it as if the sky had flipped upside down.

“He also said that at night, the stars reflected on the sea were so beautiful that he couldn’t find words to describe them. Since he couldn’t describe it, I couldn’t imagine it either. So, I secretly gave myself the name Hai Chen, hoping that one day, I could see the stars over the sea for myself.”

Hu Jiu, listening nearby, thought, Why didn’t he tell me this earlier? I could’ve taken him to see it!

Wen Dao’s expression shifted slightly, his lips pressing together as he asked, “Have you decided when you’ll go see it?”

Hai Chen tilted his head and smiled shyly. “Not yet, but I’ve been quietly preparing for it!” He sounded like a child sharing a secret treasure with a friend as he pulled out a large box filled with supplies-weapons, clothes, dried food, even medicine.

Hu Jiu bristled with indignation. Hai Chen had never shown her this! How unfair! This man is nothing but a fox spirit!

But no one noticed the cat’s expressions. Wen Dao seemed to consider something seriously before asking, “Would you like to come with me?”

Hai Chen froze, staring at Wen Dao in surprise.

Wen Dao nodded, confirming Hai Chen’s unspoken question. “You can join me. I’ll take you out of the mountains-but it might be dangerous. We can’t guarantee a safe journey.”

“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble?” Hai Chen hesitated, though it was clear he was tempted.

“It’s no trouble at all. Consider it repayment for the care you’ve given me,” Wen Dao replied with a rare smile, which made him look unexpectedly charming.

“I’ll think about it,” Hai Chen said, though even Hu Jiu could tell he had already made up his mind.

That night, Hai Chen held Hu Jiu and whispered, “Nina, do you think I should go? If I go, I’ll finally get to see the sea-I really want to see it.”

Hu Jiu let out an annoyed “meow,” too frustrated to respond.

“Nina, are you mad? Don’t worry, I’ll take you with me! I’d never leave you behind!” Hai Chen promised earnestly, thinking that was the reason for her anger.

Hu Jiu’s next “meow” was softer. Maybe… maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to go with him. This human is so clueless-what if he gets bullied out there? Besides, I still need him to help me grow my ninth tail!

Seeing her relax, Hai Chen grinned. “You want to see the world too, don’t you? Then it’s settled!”

After some hesitation, Hu Jiu raised her head and let out a dignified “meow,” as if granting her approval.

The day Wen Dao and his men left was a bright, sunny day. Summer was approaching, but the mountains remained cool and refreshing. Though Wangpo Village didn’t have many young women, they all came to see Wen Dao off.

The villagers had known for days that Hai Chen would be leaving with Wen Dao. Hai Chen had spent the previous days distributing his belongings to the villagers as a token of gratitude for raising him.

“Hai Chen, be careful out there and listen to General Wen,” the elderly village chief advised, his voice filled with concern.

Hai Chen patiently nodded and reassured everyone before finally departing.

Hu Jiu glanced back at the village, now obscured by the forest. She didn’t know it then, but this would be the last time she would ever see Wangpo Village.

The horses had been killed or exhausted during the soldiers’ escape, leaving the group to travel on foot through the dense forest. The terrain around Wangpo Village was complex, but Wen Dao and his men had marked the trees when they first arrived, allowing them to navigate their way out.

Hu Jiu nestled in Hai Chen’s arms, occasionally nibbling on a fish. Though some soldiers initially grumbled about bringing along a cat and a seemingly useless boy, Wen Dao’s authority silenced any complaints.

Hu Jiu had witnessed Wen Dao reprimand someone once, and though she still disliked him, she grudgingly admitted he wasn’t entirely bad.

After what felt like an eternity to Hu Jiu, they finally encountered signs of civilization.

During the journey, Wen Dao shared stories about the outside world. He explained that the current era was the Han Dynasty, ruled by a wise Emperor. The kingdom was largely peaceful, with few wars, though border regions occasionally faced invasions. Wen Dao’s group had been ambushed by foreign enemies.

Hai Chen listened intently, his imagination painting a picture of a vibrant and beautiful world. When they reached the first village outside the forest, he thought, Perhaps I’ll see the sea soon.