Chapter 15, Li Jing Xuan New Friend

After the villagers found out that Xi Han was beaten by Li Jain, they had more respect. Although some people regretted not paying attention to them before, it was late to regret.

The day was clear as the hot stood in the sky proudly. The weather wasn't too hot, just perfect to take a relaxing walk. After taking a cool bath, Jing Xuan changed into a clean robe and decided to take a walk and inspect how the village was doing in his absence.

As Jing Xuan was walking, his eyes caught sight of the children that were playing and laughing happily.

"Look, it's Jing Xuan." A little boy saw Li Jing Xuan not far away and called everyone's attention.

 The other children turn their attention towards him and start running toward him.

"Jing Xuan, wait up!" The kids started calling his name one by one. All of them run to Jing Xuan's side  .

As Jing Xuan was about to answer something, another boy ran to them and stopped before Jing Xuan with a big smile on his face. "Hi Jing Xuan! Are you gonna play tag or hide and seek with us?'' The child asks cheerfully with a cute voice.

'Who is this person?' Jing Xuan thought to himself as he stared at the kid that was smiling brightly, giving him a weird feeling in the gut. The smile reminds him Juanxin smile but somewhat different.

Jing Xuan quickly shook his head and said, 'This kid looks so innocent and sweet that I can't help but like him.'

"Who are you?"  Jing Xuan asks with his unusual cold tone "Do you know me?"

The boy's big smile turned into a grimace and slowly lowered his gaze. When Jing Xuan saw this reaction, he immediately regretted what he said.. 'How cold!'

'No wonder Jing Sheng couldn't make any friend with that face.'

"Ah, sorry... I mean, how do you know me? I haven't seen you around here before." Jing Xuan apologized while scratching the back of his head.

After some seconds of silence, the boy lifted his head again and gave Jing Xuan a bright and happy smile. "My name is Xiao Yang! I accompanied my brother to this village to do his mission. Once it's done, we will be leaving in a few days. " He explained with a grin."But since you're here, can we get along well for a bit? I want to be friends with you." Xiao Yang continued cheerfully while holding onto Jing Xuan's small hands tightly..

"Sure..." Jing Xuan replies quietly, looking the other boy in the eye. "Where are you guys from?" Jing Xuan asked the other children.

"We came from studying at the village chief house. I can feel the spiritual energy in my surroundings when I meditate. But brother Pang is amazing, not only can he feel the aura, he has already learned how to gather them. The village chief was very happy and he was a rare talent." Qiu Zhu starts telling Jing Xuan everything that he wanted to say in a single breath. 

When the child namedQiu Pang heard his brother praising him, he raised his head proudly like a proud duck. But Jing Xuan's response left him speechless. 

"Oh," Li Jing Xuan answered unimpressed after listening to his description. The villagers were just ordinary people and there was nothing special in learning how to collect spiritual energy. So why was the chief so happy about it? Was he that kind of man who hasn't seen the world?

"That's it?" Qiu Pang  asks, his voice filled with disappointment and anger.

"What else? I don't think you're anything special, the village chief blind and can't see talent." Jing Xuan said flatly, showing no sympathy nor sympathy to the child. 

"You always used to be jealous when we mentioned studying with the village chief. Why are you not interested this time?" Pang pouted angrily, trying to sound strong.

Jing Xuan shrugs. He didn't even try to deny his accusations and just said "I'm not jealous and neither am I interested. My dad is training my brothers and I. Compared to him, the village chief is a small potato." Jing Xuan said proudly.

The other children look at him with envious eyes, which Jing Xuan enjoys very much. 

The feeling of being the center of attention and feeling everyone's envious glance felt really good. Everyone began aware of Li Jain's strength after the incident with Xi Han.

"I heard that Xi Han hasn't woken up yet. He must have been hurt badly."

"Jing Xuan, where are you going?"

"I came out to breath fresh air. Thanks to Xi Han not bothering us, I can walk around with ease."

"Your clothes are new. Your dad must be treating you well."

"Yeah, we also eat meat everyday."

"No way, you're lying."

"I'm not making it up. My dad hunts in the mountains." Jing Xuan explains proudly.

They talk happily for a little while before the others start to leave, leaving the two boys alone. They stay quiet until they finish talking and Jing Xuan finally realizes that he still holds Xiao Yang's hand. With his cheeks slightly red, Jing Xuan lets go of Xiao Yang's hand and stands in front of Xiao Yang, looking awkward.

 Xiao Yang tilts his head slightly confused and says "What's wrong?" Jing Xuan looked down on his feet, avoiding eye contact and mumbling something softly. 'Strange, why do I feel embarrassed for holding Xiao Yang's hand? I always hold Juanxin's hands and never felt this way.' The realization made Jing Xuan flustered and he immediately let go of Xiao Yang's hand.

He suddenly realizes how cold the hand feels after being touched for so long and immediately rubs his hand together. "It's cold..." he mutters to himself with reddened cheeks. Xiao Yang looked at him strangely, unsure of what's wrong with Jing Xuan.

"Xuan, there you are. Father said I should call you for dinner." Li Cheng's voice interrupted their conversation as he approached Jing Xuan with a poker face.

"Dinner is ready? That was quick." Jing Xuan said with a surprise look, and couldn't help admiring his father's cooking  ability. His eyes caught the jar in Li Cheng's hands that had purple food inside.

Jing Xuan looks at the jar and notices it's not sealed shut. He curiously asks Li Cheng; "What is this, is it for me?"

"It's jam, daddy made it. I thought I should bring you some." Li Cheng nodded and handed him the jar, his lips formed a thin line.

"Thanks, I knew you were always thinking about me." Jing Xuan said and opened the jar, the grape jam came into view. The sweet taste of the jam melted in his mouth and he hummed happily, "Wow this is delicious."

"This is?..." Li Cheng looked at Xiao Yang and asked.

Jing Xuan looked up at him in confusion before remembering Xiao Yang was still there. He coughed lightly and put on a forced smile. "This is Xiao Yang, he came on a quest with his brother. They'll be staying for a few days." 

Jing Xuan was embarrassed, he couldn't believe he saw food and forgot his new friend.

Li Cheng narrowed his eyes at his younger brother then turned to the child who was staring at him in fear. "I see… You're Xiao Yang huh?" Li Cheng questions and Xiao Yang nods nervously.

"Hello, I am Xuan's older brother, it's nice to meet you." Li Cheng nodded towards Xiao Yang before turning towards Jing Xuan with a stern and strict look. "Let's go back and eat. Everyone's waiting for you."

Jing Sheng ate half of the jam and gave the rest to Xiao Yang. "Where are you staying?"

"At the village chief's house." Xiao Yang replied as he took the jar of jam. 

"Ok, I'll come and visit you tomorrow." Jing Xuan said with a smile and pat Xiao Yang on the shoulder before leaving with Li Cheng.

Xiao Yang stood on the spot and watched them leave silently until they were out of sight. He turned around and left with a smile in the opposite direction.