"Upon the chief's return, the Emperor's assurance of provisions in neighboring villages was relayed. The Emperor did not disclose the reason he asked us to leave but he had promised to make provisions for is in the neighbouring villages. We were promised food, shelter and jobs so we can start over. However, to this day, none has been fulfilled. Our people have gone to the neighbouring villages but they faced resistance. The villages claim that they had received no news of our relocation to their villages. Our Chief relayed everything to the Emperor. Despite all these, the Emperor still sends his army to chase us out of our homes. It is unfair and we will not leave until our demands are met. We are also citizens of the Celestial Kingdom!"
They all stood, unwavering in their stance. It was like the Chief guard's words boosted their morale.
Hua Ren thought about everything the Chief guard said but he felt there was more to the story. If it was just as simple as the chief guard said, the Emperor would not have sent him and Hei Long. Besides, Hei Long was still hiding something. The Emperor called him alone back into the Celestial Dragon Hall yesterday. What could they have discussed? Was it regarding the Eternal Grain Valley? Why wasn't he informed? Did the Emperor not trust him anymore?
"Have you heard all you wanted to hear, First General?" Hei Long sneered mockingly. He really hated Hua Ren. He didn't expect him to quickly deduce that something was wrong. "These people are nothing but traitors. They support the rebellion and feed the rebels our food. They deserve to die!"
"You have no evidence of that yet, Hei Long. Reign in your thirst for blood." Hua Ren said then turned to the chief guard. "Before we leave, I would like to speak with your village chief regarding this matter."
As if on cue, the village gates opened and the village chief walked out, accompanied by two hefty guards. He was an old man with thinning grey hair and a long grey beard, bent at the waist, holding a walking stick. He was dressed in light green robes with a small dark green blanket draped over his frail form.
"Greetings, Generals." He said, his voice sounding stronger than he looked. "I apologise for the rude welcome. I understand why you are here but as my chief guard has relayed to you, we cannot leave."
"I understand." Hua Ren said, getting off his horse and paying respect to the elderly. "But I'd like to have a word with you, village chief, for I was not aware of the actual problem. Maybe we can solve this matter without bloodshed. After all, you're also citizens of our beloved kingdom."
The village Chief looked at Hua Ren and smiled. He had heard so many good things about the Ivory Warlord. A man of honour and virtue. He felt that if anyone could help them, it was him. And so, he nodded. "Very well. But only you shall come in. The rest will wait."
"Preposterous! I'm coming with you!" General Hei Long shouted, getting off his horse. He cursed Hua Ren a thousand times in his head. If Hua Ren enters the village, he would surely come to know the truth which the Emperor had been trying to hide. He couldn't let Hua Ren enter alone.
Hua Ren, however, could hear the panic in Hei Long's voice and see the fear in his eyes. He could tell that something was amiss.
"I will go alone." He said. "As the village chief requested, you all should stay here."
Hei Long wanted to protest some more but didn't want to seem suspicious so he swallowed his words and watched as Hua Ren entered the village with the Chief. He groaned. Fuck he had to do something and fast or the Emperor would have his head!
"Forgive my curiosity, General, but can you truly see using those eyes?" inquired the village Chief as they strolled down a cobblestone path towards his residence.
"Certainly." Hua Ren smiled, not minding the question at all as he gazed at the beautiful scenery of the village. "It is fine. People ask me that question a lot. I know I look blind but I can see clearly."
The village chief chuckled. "Wonderful. You're truly one of a kind, General. You were born this way?"
Hua Ren nodded. "So I was told."
"Facinating." The village chief marveled. He kept taking not so subtle glances at Hua Ren, wondering why he was covering his face with a veil. Anyway, it wasn't his concern.
Arriving at his home, they settled across from each other on plush cushions with a table in between. A maid poured hot tea, standing attentively.
Hua Ren went straight to the point. "Chief, this matter goes beyond leaving your homes, doesn't it?"
The village Chief sighed, sipping his tea. "Indeed, General," he conceded. "This matter has been dragging on for years actually. The Emperor had tried to keep it under wraps but since the Rebel activities began, he has become impatient. Now, he wants to kill us all."
"But why?" Hua Ren asked. "This valley is the heart of farming. Why will the Emperor want you all dead?"
The village Chief signaled the guards and the maid who was standing not far away. They all went out of the house without a single word.
Hua Ren realised that the matter may be even more serious that he thought initially.
"Have you heard of the Celestial weapons, General?" The village Chief asked, pouring himself another cup of tea.
Hua Ren gasped. The Celestial weapons?! Of course he had heard of them. They were every warriors dream weapon!
He nodded. "Yes, I have."
It was said that hundreds of years ago, during a war between the heavens and the underworld, a few humans were chosen to defend the earth and were bestowed weapons of great power by the Gods which could kill demons with a single strike. After the war, which was won by the heavens, the Gods gifted the weapons to the humans as rewards for defending the earth well and helping them win the war. Those weapons were protected and passed down from generation to generation of the families of the chosen humans.