"Oh, this place is Xiaosang Village in Miao Province, thirty miles west is Zisang Town."
The old farmer smiled kindly, sizing up Shen Wang and Paper Kite: "You two walk with a steady step, I suppose you practice martial arts."
"My wife and I have indeed learned some skills for self-defense."
Shen Wang smiled: "Do you know in which direction Xi Province is?"
"To the east, just follow this road towards the sun for half a day and you’ll enter Xi Province, you two seem to come from there."
The old farmer was very clever, he could tell where Shen Wang and Paper Kite were from just by listening.
"More or less, my wife is pregnant and gets a bit tired from traveling in the mountains. Is it possible to rest at someone’s house in the village?"
Shen Wang expressed his need; he didn’t mind about resting, but it was tough for Paper Kite to keep pacing with him.
"If you don’t mind, my humble home can accommodate you temporarily, please follow me."
The old farmer laid down the clipped branches and cheerfully led the way.
The mountain path was winding, with morning mist and curling smoke, the village had over twenty tiled houses nestled in the mountains, with bamboo groves and mulberries growing between the homes, each household had yards, and the sounds of chickens and dogs could be heard, presenting a typical peaceful mountain village scene.
"Old man, it seems your life here is quite peaceful, unaffected by displaced refugees."
Paper Kite smiled warmly, trying to get close.
"Deep in the mountains, the refugees usually don’t come here; although it’s a bit impoverished, we can still survive on the mountains; we raise silkworms and farm, life is manageable, though this has been the way it’s been for generations."
The old farmer shook his head with a look of contentment.
"It’s already better than many places, may I know how to address you, old man?" Paper Kite said, smiling warmly.
"Just call me Elder Li; it’s just me, my wife, a dog, and a cat at home. My son and daughter-in-law have gone to Jade Silkworm Valley to raise silkworms."
The old farmer chuckled, "Speaking of them, it’s been a long time since they came back; my grandson must have grown quite a bit taller."
"Jade Silkworm Valley."
Shen Wang’s gaze flickered.
"Yes, that’s the most prosperous place in Miao Province. It’s rumored to be inhabited by immortals, producing Jade Silkworms; all the silkworm breeds in Miao Province come from there."
Elder Li laughed, "Speaking of raising silkworms, after spring we’ll need to prepare to get some silkworm breeds."
Along the way, a neighbor saw them, greeting from under the eaves: "Uncle Li, do you have guests?"
"Yes, a pair of travelers looking to rest a bit."
Elder Li replied with a smile.
His words dispelled some of the wary and curious glances.
These villages are relatively isolated, generally unwelcoming to outsiders; if Shen Wang and Paper Kite didn’t seem decent, they might have been stopped from entering the village.
"Elder Li, haven’t you been troubled by robbers or bandits here?"
Shen Wang casually asked, considering the proximity to Black Water Stream.
"Not at all, the wizards of Jade Silkworm Valley protect everyone, ordinary bandits wouldn’t dare cause trouble."
Elder Li shook his head.
Paper Kite smiled and said: "Hearing Elder Li mention Jade Silkworm Valley again, it must be quite important here in Miao Province, right?"
"Of course, Jade Silkworm Valley is the center of Miao Province; without the wizards there teaching us to raise silkworms and weave cloth, life would be much harder for everyone."
Elder Li expressed with respect: "In our hearts, Jade Silkworm Valley holds a higher place than any Sun and Moon Dynasty."
Shen Wang mused, recognizing that Miao Province is a unique province, located in a remote mountain forest area with many poisonous insects; its interaction with nearby Yun Province and Xi Province is not frequent.
So he’s not well-versed in this province’s affairs, only knowing Jade Silkworm Valley is the leading force, and hadn’t expected such a close relationship with ordinary people.
In Xi Province and Yun Province, most ordinary folk have never even heard of some cultivation forces.
The couple exchanged glances and followed quietly into Elder Li’s home.
A thin old lady was doing laundry, and upon seeing her husband bring two young people over, she quickly got up: "Guests are here, please have a seat."
She promptly served tea and water, inviting Shen Wang and Paper Kite to sit and rest with tea.
Shen Wang gratefully thanked her, from her actions and speech he surmised that this elderly couple must have ventured outside in their youth.
This made him think of the Black Silkworm Lady who wielded Black Poison; they were not far from Jade Silkworm Valley now, so he could go have a look.
Seeing Elder Li about to prepare a feast, Shen Wang hastily stood: "Elder Li, Aunt Li, simple food will do, why the grand effort?"
"Guests are guests, we can’t neglect you, besides your wife is with child, we happen to have an old hen."
Elder Li smiled: "We raised it ourselves, it’s not worth much."
"Yes, your wife has traveled long distances with you, it’s easy to disturb her pregnancy; she needs nourishment, don’t refuse."
Aunt Li smiled, pulling an old hen from the chicken coop.
"Thank you both very much."
Shen Wang found it hard to refuse their hospitality, thinking to offer generous gifts upon their departure.
"Please rest, don’t mind us," Elder Li waved, taking a knife to the back to butcher the chicken.
Shen Wang returned to Paper Kite with a smile: "These two elders are so hospitable."
"Life here is comfortable and the people are simple."
Paper Kite said: "It’s much better than Xi Province, maybe because Xi Province often suffers from floods, people struggle to survive, and it’s hard to be simple-minded."
"Come, let me nurture your body."
Shen Wang gently took hold of Paper Kite’s wrist, channeling his Wood Attribute Spiritual Power into her system, faintly sensing a new life from her pulse.
Another child was growing, filling Shen Wang’s heart with satisfaction as he cautiously nurtured Paper Kite’s meridians.
During the spiritual nurturing, a peculiar force suddenly emerged in Paper Kite’s body, located in her abdomen.
Shen Wang was surprised: "Did you feel a force here?"
"Warm and cozy, probably because of nurturing the child."
Paper Kite caressed her small belly.
"It shouldn’t be, even if it’s close, this force is yours; do you have any special lineage?"
Shen Wang furrowed his brow, concerned it might be something troublesome.
Paper Kite was puzzled: "The Yun Family does have an ancient lineage, but I don’t, at least it hasn’t awakened."
"What kind of lineage?"
Shen Wang inquired; if it was her family’s, it shouldn’t be a bad thing.
Paper Kite pondered: "Very few of this lineage awaken, even in the main vein there aren’t many, only two in our branch over the years."
Shen Wang mused: "This is a talent passed down through lineage, you might be awakening this lineage, it’s a positive thing for you."
"Ah, awakening at this time?"
Paper Kite was speechless: "I’m already over twenty, typically one should awaken around seven or eight."
"Perhaps it’s triggered by the pregnancy."
Shen Wang considered a possibility.
"Oh, could it affect the child?"
Paper Kite became anxious.
"Not sure, continued observation is necessary."
Shen Wang reassured her: "Don’t worry, when we have time, consult your family records, and ask your elders for clarification."