Chapter Twenty-Two: Qin Family Village

Hearing the woman's response, Chu Han nodded, a wave of compassion rising in his heart. Yet, as his thoughts turned, it became clear from her words that she must live nearby. If he wished to reside at the foot of the mountain, staying in her village would be an excellent choice, offering him both shelter and concealment.

"What is your name? Do you live close by?" He decided to act on the idea at once, speaking up without hesitation. Though there were many villages in the area, it would be unwise to simply show up and expect hospitality; far better to have someone bring him in.

"My name is Qin Shuang. I live in a village not far from here—Qin Family Village. Everyone there shares the surname Qin. I gathered a great deal of medicinal herbs today, but I had to abandon them all." Qin Shuang nodded, showing no suspicion—after all, her life had just been saved by Chu Han, so she answered whatever he asked.

Hearing her reply, Chu Han was delighted. Truly, he'd searched high and low for such a place—Qin Family Village was perfect for observing the Harmony Realm atop the mountain while keeping himself well hidden.

"Would it be possible for me to stay in your village for a few days? Don’t worry, I won’t impose; I’ll pay my way and help out with whatever needs doing," Chu Han said quickly, as if afraid she might refuse.

Qin Shuang was a little taken aback; judging by his clothes, he was surely from a wealthy family, perhaps even from Jingyuan City. Why would he want to stay in a humble village? Still, she kept her questions to herself. Chu Han was her savior; whatever he asked, she would comply.

"Of course you can. You can stay with my family. People in Qin Family Village are very hospitable, and you saved my life—let me show you proper gratitude." Qin Shuang smiled warmly, then led the way with Chu Han following behind, heading toward the village.

As they walked, the two grew gradually more familiar. At first, Qin Shuang spoke little, wary of her companion, but soon discovered that Chu Han was unassuming and approachable. Her natural mischievousness emerged, and they chatted and laughed together on their way back to the village.

Upon arrival, Chu Han noted that the village lay not far from the mountain harboring the Harmony Realm, with a clear view of its summit—a fortunate turn indeed.

Returning to the village, they found bonfires burning and all the villagers gathered at the entrance, clearly discussing something important. As they drew near, a young man rushed up and seized Qin Shuang's hand. "Shuang'er, you're finally back! Where did you go? You have no idea how worried everyone was!"

Qin Shuang blushed, pulling her hand free, and the crowd looked on with concern. Their gathering here was, it seemed, out of worry for her—she had gone out to collect herbs and not returned even after nightfall.

Without glancing at the young man, Qin Shuang recounted her ordeal. When she told of being chased by a tiger and barely escaping with her life, the villagers gasped in horror, only relaxing once they knew she was safe.

Qin Shuang then introduced Chu Han to everyone. At that moment, an elder approached, smiling kindly at Chu Han. "Young man, we owe you a great debt. If not for you, Shuang'er would have been in grave danger. To slay a tiger barehanded—what a hero you are!"

Chu Han waved off the praise, a little embarrassed. Though he was a Celestial Lord, he had never lived in such a humble village. The people's honest simplicity was foreign and deeply novel to him, making him feel at ease and disinclined to act above them.

"It's nothing. I was just passing through. I do hope it's all right if I stay in the village a few days. I’ll pay for my keep," Chu Han said, stating his purpose as Qin Shuang chimed in support.

The elder thought for a moment, then nodded. "Of course you may stay. You are Shuang'er’s benefactor—it’s only right that you lodge with her family, so we can repay your kindness."

Chu Han agreed, and after greeting the villagers, followed Qin Shuang home. As they left, he sensed a venomous gaze fixed on his back. Turning, he saw the same young man who had grabbed Qin Shuang’s hand earlier. The young man's eyes were cold and snake-like, filled with malice. Chu Han only smiled; he didn’t know why the man harbored such hostility, but it hardly mattered to him.

Later, from Qin Shuang, Chu Han learned that the young man was Qin Kun, one of the few young men left in the village. Most young people preferred to seek work in Jingyuan City rather than remain in the village. Qin Kun had stayed, likely because of Qin Shuang, and his enmity toward Chu Han probably stemmed from that. Chu Han couldn't help but sneer at the thought—such things did not concern him.

When they arrived at the house, night had already fallen. Qin Shuang’s father was gravely injured and had gone to bed early. Qin Shuang prepared a room for Chu Han so he could rest.

"Brother Chu, please rest here. Tomorrow, I’ll see that you’re well looked after. It’s late—good night."

With that, her cheeks flushed, Qin Shuang quietly took her leave.

Chu Han sat on the bed, finding the rustic home spotlessly clean thanks to Qin Shuang’s care. Though simple, it had a charm of its own. He was not a man of many demands; a place to sleep sufficed.

He did not know how much time had passed before he was startled awake by a cry. Instantly alert, Chu Han scanned his surroundings with keen eyes, senses sharpened by years of danger. Finding no immediate threat, he relaxed slightly. But as he was about to lie back down, another cry came from outside his room.

"Qin Kun, what are you doing? Let me go, or I’ll call for help!"

He recognized the voice at once—it was Qin Shuang. His heart tightened, and he crept silently from his room to see what was happening.

Not far away, he saw two figures struggling. Qin Kun’s harsh laughter reached his ears. "Shout all you want! If people come, I’ll say you seduced me. Your father’s a cripple now—how do you expect to fight me?"

These words made Qin Shuang struggle all the harder, but she was no match for Qin Kun. In moments, her clothing was torn, leaving only her undergarments for modesty.

Chu Han’s expression darkened. He had thought this village honest and pure, yet here was such a beast—unbearable!

As Qin Kun was about to force himself upon her, Chu Han struck. With a swift step, he seized Qin Kun’s arm and flung him aside. Qin Kun let out a cry of pain.

"How dare you attack me! Do you know who I am? My father is the chief ironmaster of the Mo family in Jingyuan City. You’re dead, boy—my father will see to it!"