Chapter 43 - You’re Thinking Too Much (2/2)

Qiu Ling didn't say anything more and the four of them made their way to the gates, where a queue had already formed. Qiu Ling dismounted. The Zhong husband and wife couple had also learned how to get onto the horse and back down again, so they didn't need his help anymore.

Soon, they reached in front of the gate. Soldiers stood on both sides, inspecting the people and their luggage, but there wasn't much to look at with the Zhongs. They had a slightly longer look at Qiu Ling, but since he looked like an old man and even one, that was immaculately dressed, they didn't want or rather didn't dare to act rashly and just let them in.

What Mister Pi had said about the capital back in the village, hadn't been completely wrong: There were a lot of influential people there, that could make life for ordinary citizens difficult with just the wave of a hand and some casual words. Of course, some of the guests were of equally high status, so someone guarding the gates wouldn't dare to rashly offend anyone. Even more so, if that someone clearly displayed the bearing of a noble.

Qiu Ling and the Zhongs went down the main road together. At one of the intersections, Qiu Ling stopped and turned around to them. ”We should part ways here. Your family might already be waiting. Do you know how to find them?”

Mister and Madam Zhong exchanged a glance. They had never been to the capital before, how should they know where Mister Zhong's cousin lived? Mister Zhong looked down the street. His cousin's family seemed to have done good in the last couple of years, but it certainly wouldn't be good enough for anything more than a food stall in one of the smaller streets. How difficult could it be to find them?

And disregarding that … Mister Zhong stole a glance at Qiu Ling. He didn't feel comfortable around him. Qiu Ling might have saved him, but appearing out of thin air, looking like a young man one moment and like an old man the next, being able to summon the wind and defeating five men in a mere instant … Mister Zhong didn't like any of that. It wasn't what humans did. Not normal ones, at least. Even though his wife had said, that this daoist master wasn't a heretic practitioner and also meant them no harm, he wasn't that sure about it. He still felt, that it would be better, if they split up.

”It should be alright”, he said and nodded at Qiu Ling. ”Thank you again for saving us and escorting us all the way to the capital. We're really grateful.”

”No need to thank me.” Qiu Ling smiled and turned around to Jing Yi, patting his head again. ”If something happens, just call for me. I'll be there right away. If I'm a little late, I probably had something to do. Just wait a while longer then, alright? There's no need to be afraid.”

”Mn!” The boy smiled and gripped his hand. ”I'll do that, grandfather!”

”Good boy.” Qiu Ling squeezed his hand and turned around with a last look, disappearing between the crowd. Of course, he searched for a place out of sight, hid his figure from the eyes of the mortals and hurried back to where the Zhongs stood.

His sight landed on the relieved-looking Mister Zhong and he smiled. ”Sooner or later, you're going to get used to me. After all, some day in the future, you'll be my father-in-law.”

Regarding this, Qiu Ling didn't even consider for the blink of an eye, that something could prevent this outcome.