The Eternal Way

After resting for half an hour, everyone except Li Qi had recovered.

Though still a bit tired, Li Qi managed to muster some spirit and appeared to have recovered on the surface.

But only he could feel that he was still somewhat weak. It felt like after doing two hundred frog jumps and resting for a while; you can walk and run, but your thighs are still trembling inside.

The merchants came up one by one to greet Li Qi, trying to get closer with terms like "brave warrior," "true man," and other praises, all expressing their gratitude.

Li Qi wasn't aloof either, smiling and chatting with them. After all, they had worked together last night to overcome difficulties, which could be considered as having gone through life-and-death situations together.

Without the formation of machetes, Li Qi would have been easily overwhelmed by the black mist.

Even with the formation, without Ba Kui fighting alongside him, things might have ended badly.

It could only be said that luck was on their side last night.

Overcoming difficulties together naturally brought them closer.

As dawn approached and everyone's strength returned, they chopped wood, started a fire, and threw in some dry rice cakes made from spirit rice, similar to glutinous rice cakes, adding salt and wild vegetables they found, making a pot of rice cake soup. The group gathered around the fire, drinking soup and chatting happily.

"Li Qi, this is truly fate. If we hadn't bumped into each other and encountered the situation last night, both groups might have faced dire consequences. But since we met, it turned out well! Hahaha." A merchant raised his bowl, took a sip of soup, chewed the softened rice cake, and laughed heartily.

"Yes, it really was luck," Li Qi agreed, taking a sip himself.

These rice cakes were hard as rocks when dry, but once cooked, they became soft and sticky, like mochi, mixed with wild vegetables, emitting a fragrant aroma, much better than what he usually ate.

While agreeing with the others, ADu sat down beside him again.

"Brother Li, that woman hasn't woken up yet. Are you really planning to carry her all the way to Feng County? Even if you do, if she doesn't wake up, will you hire a doctor? Who will pay for it? Even if you hire a doctor, if she can't be saved and dies, you might face legal trouble. The authorities will investigate, and it's not worth it," ADu told Li Qi.

"What else should I do? Leave her here to die?" Li Qi rubbed his temples in frustration, feeling a headache coming on.

Didn't he know what ADu was saying?

Saving someone brings a lot of trouble. Upon reaching the city, he'd need to explain the situation to the guards, possibly even seek medical help. If he abandons her, he might be charged with murder.

Moreover, if the woman wakes up, should he continue to take care of her? If so, should he try to find her family? What about her food, shelter, and daily needs? Her clothes were torn, clearly needing replacement, which isn't cheap—probably costing twenty to thirty coins at least.

If he leaves her alone on the streets, wouldn't that be no different from killing her outright? A lone, vulnerable woman could easily fall prey to bandits.

"I suggest leaving her here to fend for herself. We've already saved her once by pulling her out of the demon's grasp. If she dies now, it's not our fault," ADu suggested to Li Qi.

The other merchants nodded in agreement with ADu's suggestion.

"ADu is sensible. When traveling, don't bring unnecessary troubles upon yourself."

"We've already saved her life; she should be grateful. She shouldn't repay kindness with ingratitude and cause us more trouble. We're all struggling people; why make things harder for each other?"

"Exactly, Brother Li, you're alone in the cold winter, obviously on an important mission. How can you be burdened by this woman?"

The merchants chimed in one after another, making it sound as if bringing along this woman would make every step difficult.

However, the leader of the merchants, the burly man named Ba Kui, looked at the woman repeatedly and suddenly laughed, "Haha, Li Qi, haven't you gotten married yet?"

This remark silenced the chattering merchants.

Including ADu, everyone's faces showed subtle smiles.

Those who didn't understand or react immediately caught on seeing their companions' expressions and also smiled similarly.

"This woman has a good appearance and figure, smooth skin without calluses or scars, likely never done any manual labor. Such beautiful women look good but aren't suitable for everyday life. Don't let her looks deceive you, Brother Li. Marrying such a woman may bring temporary joy but could cause you trouble for the rest of your life," Ba Kui advised earnestly, as if speaking from experience.

"Right, Li Qi, this woman looks pretty but has a small waist and hips, indicating potential complications during childbirth. Besides, she can't carry heavy loads or do household chores. Even if she gives birth, how will you manage everything? You can't always stay home and neglect work outside, right? Who will earn money then?"

"I agree. Even in the best-case scenario, if she learns to work, within two years, she'll become like our wives, losing her beauty and becoming less efficient. That would be a loss!"

"Some brothels in the city offer smooth-skinned women. Why keep one at home who can't contribute?"

The merchants continued to chatter, making it sound very convincing.

"But I think Brother Li deserves such a woman," ADu said differently.

"Although we've only known each other for two days, Brother Li is brave, strategic, and capable. He knows magic but doesn't bully others. I believe he will make money and buy property. Hiring servants won't be a problem. Then, there's no need to worry about a beautiful wife getting ugly from hard work," ADu said, sipping his soup and laughing.

"Haha, ADu speaks well!"

"What do you mean 'speaks well'? I think Brother Li is destined for great things!"

The merchants echoed in agreement, though it seemed more flattering than sincere.

Li Qi couldn't help but laugh at their comments.

What were these people thinking... picking up a random woman on the roadside and suddenly talking about marriage?