Soon after, The Farmer brought Ye Yunfei back into the Small World where the mountain hamlet where Mr. Liu secluded himself resided. Stepping into this Small World, Ye Yunfei felt a deep sense of familiarity, as thoughts involuntarily drifted to the past memories of entering this world and that small village, encountering Mr. Liu together with Su Qingluo.
Back then, Ye Yunfei was merely at the Heavenly Emperor realm!
"Qing Luo, where are you now?"
Ye Yunfei couldn't help but think of Su Qingluo.
Since Su Qingluo's disappearance, worry had persistently gnawed at Ye Yunfei's heart. He had long wanted to search for her, but given his current perilous situation, he simply had neither the time nor the capability to look for Su Qingluo.
"I hope Qing Luo is safe," Ye Yunfei silently sighed to himself.
"Senior, those fellows have chased their way in!"
At that moment, Ye Yunfei suddenly sensed that the group of Golden Immortal experts from behind had actually followed them all the way into this Small World. He informed The Farmer.
"Hmph, a bunch of ignorant and arrogant fellows. Don't mind them, let them chase right in. They'll regret it. Nothing but a swarm of ants," The Farmer snorted disdainfully, dismissing them with utter contempt.
Not long after, The Farmer finally brought Ye Yunfei back to the small mountain hamlet where Mr. Liu was in seclusion.
"Hehe, honored guests!"
The moment Ye Yunfei stepped into the hamlet, he found Mr. Liu standing near the village entrance, smiling as he came forward to greet them. A woman of delicate beauty and gentle demeanor stood by Mr. Liu's side.
"Rong'er, Young Master Ye has returned to our village. Let's go back and prepare a sumptuous meal to treat Young Master Ye, and wash away the dust of his journey," Mr. Liu said warmly, holding the lovely woman's hand.
"That's only proper. Young Master Ye once gifted me medicine, and I have not yet had the chance to express my gratitude to him personally," Rong'er replied. Her gaze still seemed somewhat empty, but whenever she looked at Mr. Liu, her face was filled with tender affection. Hearing Mr. Liu's words, she turned to look at Ye Yunfei, a hint of gratitude visible within her vacant eyes.
"Huh? Mr. Liu's wife seems different from before. She now appears to possess a sliver of clear awareness!"
Stealthily observing Rong'er, Ye Yunfei felt a surge of great joy.
"Hehe, Young Master Ye, you must have noticed the improvement in Rong'er's condition. It is precisely the Golden Lotus Fruit you gifted me that has taken effect, greatly ameliorating Rong'er's situation. Many thanks to you!" Mr. Liu said, his heart overflowing with happiness as he tightly grasped Rong'er's hand and addressed Ye Yunfei.
Before taking the Golden Lotus Fruit, Rong'er's consciousness had perpetually been in a state of confusion and emptiness. Her expressions, actions, and demeanor were extremely stiff, like that of a wooden puppet. After consuming the Golden Lotus Fruit, she now possessed some initial clarity of awareness and was capable of engaging in simple communication with others! Naturally, Mr. Liu was profoundly moved by this improvement, feeling immense gratitude towards Ye Yunfei.
"Mr. Liu, a number of beings have followed Young Master Ye here and are now outside," The Farmer reported respectfully to Mr. Liu.
"Make them understand their folly and withdraw," Mr. Liu swept a glance outside the mountain hamlet and said indifferently.
"Understood," The Farmer replied.
"Young Master Ye, I've already instructed someone to tidy a room specifically for you to rest in. You should go take a look first, then come to my home. I'll have Rong'er prepare a meal to properly welcome you," Mr. Liu said to Ye Yunfei.
"How could I possibly intrude so, Senior? You are far too courteous," Ye Yunfei hurriedly responded.
"Nonsense about courtesy. Let's have none of that. You must come. Rong'er and I will head back first to prepare the meal. Village Chief, please show Young Master Ye to his quarters."
"Yes, sir. This way, Young Master Ye," as soon as Mr. Liu finished speaking, a sturdy-built elder materialized instantly before Ye Yunfei and spoke warmly.
This elder was precisely the Village Chief, whom Ye Yunfei had met before.
"Then I'll trouble you, Senior," Ye Yunfei answered respectfully.
Ye Yunfei understood that all the beings within this small hamlet were likely Mr. Liu's followers. Those qualified to follow a formidable figure like Mr. Liu were definitely no ordinary individuals; each surely possessed unique and exceptional abilities. Thus, he dared not show the slightest disregard.
Following the Village Chief into the heart of the hamlet, a rich, earthy scent filled the air. Some distance away, chickens pecked for insects in the grass, while nearby, a yellow dog basked lazily in the sun by a corner of a house. Several three- or four-year-old children played and frolicked. Spotting Ye Yunfei, they curiously swarmed around him.
"It's the uncle from last time! The good uncle who gave us the sugar-coated haws last time!"
Suddenly, one of the children cried out.
"Shoo, shoo... you bunch of little rascals. Young Master Ye is now Mr. Liu's esteemed guest. You mustn't disturb him!" the Village Chief waved his hands.
Last time, Ye Yunfei had merely been an outsider who stumbled in by chance. Now, his status was different—he was Mr. Liu's honored guest. The Village Chief didn't want these children disturbing Ye Yunfei's peace.
"Old man Village Chief, if you keep yelling like that, I'll pluck out all your whiskers!" one of the children protested, refusing to be intimidated.
"Huzi, if you keep being this naughty, see if I don't spank your bottom!" the Village Chief responded, eyes glaring and whiskers practically bristling.
"Come here, everyone. This time, Uncle brought you some more sugar-coated haws. There's plenty for everyone," Ye Yunfei said with a smile.
While on the road to the Tianpo Realm with The Farmer, Ye Yunfei had prepared in advance. He had sent a doppelganger into the mortal realm of one world to purchase a large batch of sugar-coated haws precisely to handle the situation with these village children. Because the last time he entered the village with Su Qingluo, he had encountered these children, and at that time, he had used the sugar-coated haws to appease them.
"Thank you, Uncle!"
The children's faces lit up with joy. One after another, they darted on their little legs right in front of Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei took out a handful of sugar-coated haws and gave two to each child.
"Uncle, me too!"
A few more children from farther away heard the news and ran over, hands reaching out to Ye Yunfei.
"Don't worry, everyone will get some," Ye Yunfei said, smiling, as he took out another handful to distribute.
"This young man is quite decent, no wonder Mr. Liu thinks so highly of him."
The Village Chief, standing to the side watching Ye Yunfei surrounded by the children, couldn't help but nod inwardly in approval.
"Alright, alright, now that you've got your candy, go play. Don't pester Young Master Ye. Young Master Ye is busy," the Village Chief stepped forward to shoo the children away, then led Ye Yunfei to the front of a house.
The main structure of this house was built from stacked stone blocks—a stone house.
"Young Master Ye, this house is prepared especially for you. I hope you won't find it too humble," the Village Chief said.
"You are far too considerate, Village Chief. I feel immensely honored that there's a place for me to rest in the village, how could I find it humble?" Ye Yunfei promptly replied.