The sound of rain pouring down, accompanied by the howling of the wind.
Just like the restless heart of a young maiden.
But someone held an umbrella, slightly tilting its surface to block all the storm's fury, standing before Mo Li.
Thus, that grievance was transformed into pure joy.
"Eldest Brother."
Her fingers gently tugged at Xu Xi's clothing.
Just like in the old days, she followed closely beside Xu Xi.
"What is it, Mo Li?"
"I want to eat the meal you cooked today."
"Sure, I'll cook for you today."
Xu Xi agreed with a smile. The downpour continued, droplets rolling off the oiled paper umbrella in succession, glimmering and translucent, adding a touch of brightness to the gloomy rainy world.
They walked slowly.
With each step, splashes of water were stirred up.
Tick-tock, tick-tock. By the time they reached the courtyard gate, the rain had slightly eased.
Xu Xi looked up, first at the gloomy sky, then folded the oiled paper umbrella and gently shook it before placing it at the door.
"Let's go in, Mo Li, don't catch a cold."
"I understand, Eldest Brother."
Xu Xi opened the door and entered the house, while the girl stood behind him, lightly pushing his back, nudging her once again foolish brother inside.
How could she catch a cold?
He's so...
The girl hummed lightly, just like when she was a child, pushing Xu Xi into the house, pestering him to cook something delicious.
Such a life seemed rather pleasant.
The female immortal thought so.
...
That night, Xu Xi cooked a sumptuous dinner himself.
Thanks to the Master-level culinary skills honed during his second simulation with the [Wisdom of Mortals].
Xu Xi had a modest confidence in his cooking.
Mo Li ate with great satisfaction, and Krisha's expression remained calm, but from the slight twitching of her brows, it was evident she was pleased too.
However, during the meal.
Krisha's gaze frequently lingered on Xu Xi or observed Xu Mo Li for a moment.
Her face carried a look of confusion.
As if she understood, yet didn't quite get it.
...
The next day, Xu Xi went out again to check on the Living Army people to ensure they were all right.
The Supernatural United Bureau of Yanshan City, after discussions and inquiries, formulated an initial resettlement plan.
They decided to build houses exclusively for the Living Army people in the outskirts.
It wasn't that the authorities rejected their entry into the city.
But the difference between the martial arts world and the real world was too vast. The Living Army civilians couldn't adapt to the skyscrapers of the metropolis.
They referred to them as iron giants that would devour human flesh and spirit.
Therefore, the Supernatural United Bureau's final plan was to construct ancient-style architectural complexes in the outskirts for the Living Army people to move into.
"Xu Big Brother, the house is much bigger than ours!"
"I'll be living in a big house too!"
Niu was thrilled.
Standing before Xu Xi, he excitedly waved his arms.
Niu's mother was equally delighted, counting on her fingers, murmuring, saying she could finally arrange a marriage for Niu.
Seeing this scene, Xu Xi's eyes softened.
"It's great..."
"Everyone has achieved the life they wanted..."
In a trance, Xu Xi recalled his third simulation, thinking of those haggard and emaciated faces, but now, those faces no longer held despair or malnutrition.
Instead, they beamed with a light called "hope."
This was exactly what Xu Xi wanted to see.
What he had always longed to witness.
...
In the following period, the resettlement of the Living Army progressed smoothly step by step.
The impoverished people moved into formerly unimaginable neat homes.
The hungry and cold ate "luxurious" full meals and got warm winter clothing.
Winter arrived.
The biting wind was harsher than in autumn.
Yet, on the faces of the people, there was no more despair or numbness. Only anticipation for the future and gratitude for Xu Xi.
"Brother Xi is such a great man!"
They praised Xu Xi.
Their dark faces beamed with joy unlike any other time.
Not only did Xu Xi solve their food and shelter issues, but he also established a cooperative relationship between the Living Army civilians and the Supernatural United Bureau, guaranteeing them high salaries.
A wage they would have never dared to dream of under their former oppression.
The people were panicked, feeling it was all a dream.
After confirming it was real, they thanked Xu Xi again in the most awkward yet sincere way.
Xu Xi received the familiar steamed buns and plain soup he was used to.
Though the method of preparation remained unchanged.
The taste had improved slightly due to the better ingredients, mirroring the sweetness that had gradually entered their lives.
Xu Xi smiled as he savored them.
Praising that the flavor had improved, he responded to the people's expectant expressions.
From then on, the Living Army civilians settled permanently in Yanshan City, living in stable environments, no longer needing to fear or struggle for survival.
The only regret.
Was that Xu Xi still hadn't found Wu Yingxue.
...
"Where did that lass go?"
In the courtyard, the study.
Time always passes quickly.
Autumn in Yanshan City was already quite chilly and lonely, and now that winter was approaching, the courtyard seemed even more eerily silent.
Xu Xi put down his pen.
His gaze wandered to the yard outside the window.
He could clearly see the previously lush branches now bare, and the flowers withered and lifeless, leaving only clusters of dragon blood grass steadfastly standing.
The grass seeds drenched in dragon blood, after all, possessed a divine nature.
Even in the cold winter.
They showed no signs of wilting.
Xu Xi stood up, pushing open the double-leaf wooden window, allowing cold air to rush into the room, swirling around before dissipating the stuffiness.
"Yingxue isn't a child anymore. I'm sure she has her own considerations, so there's no need for me to worry."
Xu Xi took a deep breath.
The chill of winter.
Instantaneously cleared Xu Xi's mind.
Eliminating the confusion from his earlier research.
Xu Xi glanced at the papers and pens on the desk, recalling the recent days.
Krisha, as always, silently tended to the housework, always providing the most crucial items when Xu Xi needed them most.
Mo Li was still dedicated to her grand task of cutting through worlds.
But lately.
She often stayed by Xu Xi's side.
Her gaze vigilant, her expression wary, as if guarding against some unknown danger.
Xu Xi was puzzled, assuming his sister was just overly concerned, which he found quite heartwarming. It was satisfying to see that his sister and the demoness got along well.
There hadn't been any conflicts so far.
"I wonder what that dream meant?"
Xu Xi closed the window, recalling the dream he had long ago where his sister fought the demoness.
At the time, he thought it was a sign of impending danger.
But now, it seemed just a bizarre dream?
Xu Xi laughed helplessly.
He cast his eyes on the calendar hanging on the wall: "Time flies. It's almost New Year's. Let me think..."
"It's time to go out and buy some things. Prepare some New Year's gifts, and maybe alleviate the monotony of my training."