A Jiu stood watching from a distance. She didn't understand why her parents were so agitated. She heard her father mention some kind of oil after looking at the glass bottle.
"Uh, it's nothing, Uncle knows it was a misunderstanding."
As Meng Shaode said this, he glanced back at his wife. Cai Lihua understood. No matter what it was, it seemed to have similarities with their own origins. They were out of sync with this world, so Tuoba Yan couldn't possibly use any influence over the bandits or soldiers of this world to harm them.
Tuoba Yan was stunned. Uncle knew it was a misunderstanding?
"Brother Meng, my master is pure-hearted. Thank you for your understanding," the second-in-command said, cupping his fist and bowing.
"Not at all, not at all." Meng Shaode looked at Tuoba Yan again as he spoke. This young man showed no signs of being out of place. Could he really be an "outsider"?
"Uh, since you're here, let's have some watermelon together." Cai Lihua also felt a touch of empathy and stepped forward to distribute the watermelon.
Although Tuoba Yan was still frowning slightly, showing some resistance, he didn't faint again.
"Thank you, Brother Meng." The second-in-command took a piece of watermelon and took a bite. He looked up at Tuoba Yan with concern. "Master, this is watermelon, a fruit, not blood. I'll eat it to show you."
As he spoke, the second-in-command bowed to Meng Shaode and the others with a smile. He asked them not to laugh. Tuoba Yan glanced back at his sister A Jiu. She was already eating. If he didn't try, A Jiu would definitely think he was incapable.
"Then I'll try?"
"Yes, Master, please try." The second-in-command carefully picked up another piece and cupped his fist towards Meng Shaode and the others. He politely gestured, asking if he could take another piece.
Meng Shaode waved his hand, indicating that he was free to do as he pleased.
"Old Meng, you also think this Tuoba Yan isn't from here?"
"Don't I?" The couple squatted on a rock, whispering to each other.
"But what is his background?"
"I can't tell yet." Meng Shaode shook his head. "In any case, the generals and subordinates he mentioned definitely don't exist in this world."
"What are you two talking about?" Wu Dalei came over.
The couple immediately replied in unison, "Nothing." Meng Shaode knew his answer was evasive to Brother Wu, so he added, "I'm looking at the second-in-command. It seems Tuoba Yan is telling the truth. He's his lost subordinate. Look, how polite he was just now."
Wu Dalei had been the most fearful. This second-in-command had been brought into the mountain a month ago and was immediately made second-in-command. One had to know that he led a group of bandits who engaged in robbery and plunder. He had intercepted the group of refugees from Xinghua Village and killed several innocent civilians. Wu Dalei had witnessed this with his own eyes, so how could he not be afraid? That's why he had been so scared earlier that he had retreated to the halfway point of the mountain.
After eating their fill, Meng Shaode was the first to discard his watermelon rind. "Let's set off. Looking at the sky, we should be able to get down the mountain before dark."
With this shout, Wu Dalei was so scared that the watermelon rind in his hand dropped to the ground. He reluctantly followed.
A Jiu saved the last piece for Wang Shi. As Wang Shi ate, she said, "When we find a place to stay, granddaughter, get me some spiritual spring water. Eating this watermelon is inconvenient." She then spat out a few seeds into her palm, put them in her pocket, and said, "It's good enough that we have something to eat. You shouldn't be so picky, old lady." A Jiu said grumpily. She also gathered a handful of watermelon seeds and put them in her pocket.
As they descended the mountain, the sun gradually set, and the forest became darker. Everyone quickened their pace. Leaving this forest meant they would be out of Qiming Mountain. At that time, there would be more light.
It became so dark that they couldn't see their hands. The group began to panic. What time was it?
"We're almost there." Tuoba Yan and the second-in-command led the way. They could see light filtering through the trees ahead. As everyone emerged from the forest, they finally breathed in some fresh air.
By the side of the path at the foot of the mountain, a horse-drawn carriage was parked. A woman was squatting by the carriage wheel, fast asleep. A Jiu's night vision recognized the person immediately. "Aunt Li?"