Chapter Seventy: Departure

Yue Qi and Bai Lian discussed for a long time and finally decided to travel together with Xin Zi.

The journey to Sanqing Mountain required passing through the Hidden Sword Manor, so for the sake of that secret technique, Yue Qi resolved to depart immediately after the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The festival was not far off. Xin Zi, though eager to leave sooner, changed his mind upon hearing of Yue Qi and the others’ persistent invitation, and decided to travel with Yue Qi when the time came. During his days at the camp in Qinghe Town, Xin Zi had heard much about Yue Qi’s character and found him trustworthy, so he wasn’t worried about any murderous or thieving intent.

The Mid-Autumn moon seemed especially round this year. Tonight, everyone gathered together, enjoying fine wine and delicious food. On this day, names and genders were put aside; everyone was family. Smiles returned to faces long shadowed by sorrow. Though thoughts of those lost brought pangs of grief, the survivors now lived well—free from the threat of zombies, no longer anxious over food.

Yue Qi decided to announce his departure to everyone that night.

Previously, only Yue Qi, Bai Lian, and Xin Zi knew of his plan. The reason for telling Xin Zi was simply to persuade him to stay a little longer; otherwise, Xin Zi would have already left.

“Everyone, please quiet down…” Yue Qi rose with a winecup in hand. The wine had been found in the cellar beneath the inn in Qinghe Town. Normally, alcohol was forbidden in the camp, except on major festivals like today’s Mid-Autumn; Yue Qi allowed this exception, knowing that drunkenness led to trouble, and even though the camp’s defenses were strong, complacency could still prove fatal.

The entire table fell silent at once. Yue Qi’s prestige in the camp was considerable, and he was easygoing; most people respected him.

“There is something I need to tell you all. In a couple of days, I may leave the camp…” Yue Qi had barely finished speaking when the camp erupted in turmoil.

“What’s going on? You’re leaving? What will we do?”

“Exactly! Why leave so suddenly? Did you find a better place?”

Such is human nature: when helped, one may be moved to tears, but when the benefactor’s actions no longer serve their interests, people quickly turn hostile.

“Everyone, please calm down…” The voices below were loud and varied; Yue Qi heard them all, including those from people who had fought with him through life and death since the days at Yue Manor. This made him feel a wave of disgust.

The noise showed no sign of stopping. Many gazed at Yue Qi with suspicion or even hostility, though a few remained steadfastly on his side.

“Bang!” Yue Qi released a thunderball into the air, which burst overhead. Everyone stared at him, not believing he’d act, but his display brought instant silence.

“I am not gone for good…” Yue Qi shook his head. “I’ve told you before: in Sichuan, there is a powerful sect called the Sanqing Sect. Their cultivators are a thousand times stronger than me; perhaps they have a way to end this disaster.”

He paused and continued: “Besides, the camp is safe now. No zombies nearby, and even if some appeared, they couldn’t breach our defenses. We only need to assign guards every day and kill any zombies we spot…” Yue Qi finished in one breath, sweat beading on his forehead.

“What if you don’t come back?” A timid voice rose from the crowd but was echoed by many.

“Yes, what if you never return? If we face other dangers—say, survivors from Qingzhou coveting our camp—what should we do?”

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“Exactly! We aren’t afraid of zombies, but if survivors want to seize our camp, wouldn’t it be easy for them? Few of us know martial arts, and those who do are hardly skilled…”

The crowd’s chatter quickly made the camp chaotic again. Yue Qi stood rooted, his face alternating between pale and flushed, unable to find words. Even if he had saved these people, was he obliged to protect them for life?

The more Yue Qi thought, the angrier he became. But what could he do? Kill everyone in the camp? He suddenly realized that a measure of iron-fisted rule was necessary; no wonder the merciful kings of antiquity never met good ends.

“I don’t care what you think…” Yue Qi spoke again, his expression now icy as he swept his gaze over the crowd. Silence fell. “I am leaving, no matter what, but you’d best hope I don’t return. When I do come back, I will take all my family away, and leave you to fend for yourselves…”

His words were devoid of emotion, and the crowd shivered.

“Why are you all shouting? Qi isn’t abandoning us! Besides, we’re all here—would he really leave us behind?” Yue Si suddenly stood up and shouted at everyone.

A warm surge filled Yue Qi’s heart. In moments like this, only family would truly support and care for him.

Bai Lian, standing behind, took Yue Qi’s hand and gave him an encouraging look.

“Exactly! Everyone here is capable—do you really think you can’t survive without Qi? Without him, this camp would have fallen to zombies long ago! As for those people in Qingzhou, do you really think they fear you? They’re just wary of Qi! Frankly, you aren’t even cannon fodder. Searching for food or fighting zombies, none of you are as eager as you are now, bickering amongst yourselves!” This time, it was Yue San, his face red and neck bulging, fiercely outspoken.

The crowd grew much quieter, glancing at Yue Qi in fear, no one speaking.

But then, a discordant voice rang out: “If not for him, our camp would still be fine; besides, we had Qingzhou people to rely on…”

“What?!” Yue Qi’s face turned livid as he glared at the speaker, a bitter smile crossing his lips.

“Good, good, good!” Yue Qi repeated. “So this is what I am in your hearts…”

Some sensed the harshness of his words, feeling a twinge of guilt, but selfishness soon prevailed.

“Very well! Tonight I’ll play tyrant for once!” Yue Qi’s expression was icy, reminiscent of facing zombies. He coldly addressed the crowd: “From now on, my second brother will manage the camp. If you’re dissatisfied, or think my support is insufficient, go to Qingzhou! There are more people and richer resources there; you’ll surely live more comfortably!”

“And those who choose to stay, if you cause trouble, just tell me! I’m no saint, but I won’t kill you—just leave the camp. As to where you end up, that’s not my concern!” Yue Qi’s words were sharp and final; everyone stared at him in shock, including his siblings.

“Don’t think of rebelling after I leave. You know about the magic scrolls—I’ll leave them all with my second brother. If anyone disobeys, he’ll deal with you! Do you really think I’m so easily bullied?” Yue Qi’s voice rose, nearly shouting, and he released a trace of spiritual pressure. The crowd was subdued, not a hint of resistance.

Seeing everyone silent, Yue Qi calmed down. He continued: “That’s enough for tonight’s meal. I think everyone’s had enough; there’s no point in lingering…” With that, Yue Qi turned and left, Bai Lian following, leaving the crowd staring at one another.

Night deepened; the bright moon hid behind clouds, casting only a faint, hazy light. In Yue Qi’s room, a few people sat at the table, conversing softly.

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Yue Qi’s family was there, along with Yue Yunsheng, Yang Yuqi, Li Yuan, Li Qinglan, and recently arrived Xin Zi.

“Qi, are you really leaving?” It was Yue Liu who spoke, unable to hide her concern as she looked at Yue Qi.

Yue Qi nodded. “Sixth Sister, no matter what, you all know I still hope this world can be saved. If even the Sanqing Sect has fallen, then I’ll return…” He paused. “Besides, ordinary zombies pose no threat to me anymore…”

Yue San was more rational. He nodded, saying, “Qi, go with confidence—this is a mission to save all living beings. We can’t keep you here for selfish reasons. As for the camp…” He glanced at everyone. “We’ll manage it well for you. Those people today were just too excited hearing you were leaving…”

Yue Qi nodded; whether their excitement was justified, he no longer cared.

After a bit more conversation, everyone went to rest. Yue Qi planned to leave at dawn, so Yue Er and others stayed in his room, talking late into the night.

The next morning…

Yue Qi, Bai Lian, and Xin Zi walked to the camp gate. Not many came to see them off—perhaps some felt embarrassed to face Yue Qi.

“All right, that’s enough, everyone. Go back…” Yue Qi reached the gate and opened it. Outside was a wasteland, but within the camp, new life flourished.

“Be careful on the road, Qi. Don’t let your guard down just because the zombies are weak…” Yue Liu reminded him.

“I know, Sixth Sister. You’ve said it all night—go on back!” Yue Qi replied helplessly, then suddenly remembered something. “By the way, where’s Yunsheng?”

He hadn’t seen Yue Yunsheng since their arrival, which puzzled him.

“No idea. Yunsheng locked himself in his room this morning, looking unhappy. Maybe he didn’t want to see you leave and couldn’t bear to say goodbye…” Yue San guessed.

Yue Qi nodded, feeling a bit regretful, but then steeled himself. “All right, Second Brother, Third Brother, Fourth Sister, Sixth Sister, I’m off. And Lord Li, please look after things here in the future…” Yue Qi bowed to Li Yuan, who quickly returned the gesture.

No more words were spoken. The autumn wind carried a hint of sorrowful farewell, and Yue Qi, Bai Lian, and Xin Zi set out toward Sanqing Mountain, stepping into the morning sun.