Cultivation Begins with Skill Points-Chapter 148: Return to the Old Forest

"Come, have a chicken leg, you both take one too."

Zhong Lin placed chicken and a chicken leg into the bowls of the two brothers, Little Zhi and Little Hu.

The two little guys, one eight years old and the other ten, looked lively and spirited.

"You’re spoiling them too much!"

Uncle Taro laughed and scolded, but the smile on his face couldn’t be hidden.

"They’re just kids, it doesn’t matter."

Zhong Lin said with a smile, lifted his porcelain bowl, clinked it with Uncle Taro’s, and then took a large gulp.

The taste was not good, somewhat spicy, and mixed with other flavors, but Zhong Lin still drank it all in one gulp.

Uncle Taro also drank happily, taking big gulps.

"Da Linzi, tell me what has happened to you these past two years, why have you changed so much?"

After several rounds of drinks, Uncle Taro finally asked about Zhong Lin’s experiences over the years.

Zhong Lin pondered for a moment: "Back then, I left Lower River Village with Stone and went straight to Black Mountain County..."

Zhong Lin picked out some bits that he could say, or rather that Uncle Taro could understand, like working as an artist for the government, practicing martial arts, and apprenticing in Tianyang County.

Even so, Uncle Taro was thrilled, eyes wide with amazement, while the aunt and the two little guys listened as if hearing a story, even forgetting to bite into their chicken legs.

"I didn’t expect you to go through so much in these two years. I know you’re telling me the pleasant parts, don’t lie to your uncle. I’ve traveled too, I know what it’s like outside, it must have been tough for you, a young kid taking care of Little Stone."

Uncle Taro sighed deeply, looking at Zhong Lin with a heart full of concern.

"It wasn’t tough, look at how well I’m doing now." Zhong Lin replied with a smile.

Although he had faced several life-and-death crises, overall, thanks to some advantages, things went smoothly.

Uncle Taro knew Zhong Lin was reassuring him, so he said no more and lifted his porcelain bowl for another big drink.

"Da Linzi, did you come this time to pay respects at your parents’ grave? Don’t worry; I’ve been keeping an eye on it! I visit during the festivals, it hasn’t fallen into ruin."

"Hmm, thank you, Uncle Taro."

"No need to thank me, kid. Your dad and I had the best of relationships when he was alive. If not for him teaching me to hunt, I wouldn’t have been able to marry your aunt, let alone have Little Zhi and Little Hu."

"I’m just passing by this time and happened to drop by. By the way, Uncle Taro, would you like to settle in Black Mountain County?"

Uncle Taro hadn’t expected the topic to switch so quickly, and quickly waved his hands: "What would a rural farmer like me do in the county town?"

"Dad, I want to go to the county town." freeweɓnovel.cѳm

Little Hu, who was busy gnawing at his chicken leg, suddenly looked up and spoke, his eyes full of longing.

"What do you know, kid? I only know how to farm; what could I do in the county? Without money, we’d starve, don’t think everyone can be like your brother Da Lin."

Uncle Taro scolded, and Little Hu, looking embarrassed, lowered his head and said nothing more.

"Da Linzi, don’t listen to Little Hu..."

"Uncle Taro, listen to me."

Zhong Lin interrupted Uncle Taro and said, "You know I’m a Martial Artist now, and I know some people in the county. Plus, I remember you’re good at making marinated dishes. I can put in a word for you, and you can open a marinated food shop in the county, don’t worry, no one will dare bully you."

"Besides, even if not for yourself, consider Little Zhi and Little Hu. You can’t let them spend their whole lives digging in the dirt here. In the county, they can learn to read and pick up a trade, ensuring a life without worries."

Uncle Taro opened his mouth to say more, but Aunt suddenly kicked him sharply.

"Da Linzi, is what you said true? Can Little Zhi and Little Hu really learn to read and pick up a trade? You can’t lie to your aunt!"

"Auntie, don’t worry. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t bother. I still remember the white banners raised at home when I came back from the mountains, and that Uncle Taro was the only one to see me off when I left Lower River Village. Even the dried meat in my bundle was from you. I wouldn’t deceive your family."

Zhong Lin was telling the truth. Since he’d impulsively come to Lower River Village, he was willing to help the family that had shown him kindness. With his current power, it was an effortless gesture.

Auntie was delighted, tugging at Uncle Taro: "I trust Da Linzi. Why don’t we consider it?"

"But..."

Uncle Taro still harbored some concerns. Having seen a bit of the world, he couldn’t just abandon everything at home and move to a new place where he didn’t know anyone.

"Enough with the buts. Why would Da Linzi deceive us? Besides, what do we have to deceive for? Not thinking of yourself, think of Little Zhi and Little Hu. Little Zhi is ten now, soon to be at an age to think about marriage. Look at what we can offer for that."

Uncle Taro looked at the almost-grown Little Zhi and finally began to waver.

"Da Linzi, can I really do it?"

"Have you forgotten how to make marinated meat?"

"No, I haven’t."

"Then you’ll be fine."

The meal ended joyfully, with Uncle Taro’s family showing great enthusiasm towards Zhong Lin.

As night fell, Zhong Lin stayed at Uncle Taro’s house instead of returning to his old home.

Having not returned for two years, the house was in ruins, with the courtyard wall mostly collapsed, and even the main house lacked a roof, leaving only moss-covered beams.

Indeed, a house fares better with people living in it, otherwise, it quickly falls into disrepair.

Early the next morning, Uncle Taro’s family began packing up in earnest, while Zhong Lin, with his Black Rosewood Bow, planned to explore the mountains.

Whizz!

A sharp whistling sound suddenly rang through the dense forest, followed by a white streak cutting through the air. A huge Fox Bear was struck by an incredible power and had its head pierced without even a chance to cry out.

Two Fox Bears came together, attempting to ambush someone walking through the forest. But the moment they appeared, one was felled instantly by a casual arrow that pierced through its head.

The other Fox Bear shuddered, sensing the taste of death. The seemingly harmless human bore a dangerous presence that made its body tremble.

The cunning Fox Bear had no intent to avenge its companion. Its massive body whirled around and fled at a speed several times quicker than when it came. From then on, whenever this Fox Bear caught the scent of humans, it would flee without hesitation, never daring to face those seemingly smaller humans again.

"Since you’re here, don’t leave."

Zhong Lin bent the bow and notched an arrow. With a heavy thud, the fleeing Fox Bear crashed into a tree trunk, its massive head impaled by a trembling arrow.