CH 117

In the early morning, the mountain ranges and forests were covered with the scent of melting snow. The mist, like a blanket left behind from last night, veiled the land, especially in the vast expanse of the continent where the mist was thicker. Standing at the mountain’s peak, as far as the eye could see, beneath your feet lay a surging sea of clouds as if you were standing in a celestial paradise, overlooking all living beings.

As the first rays of sunlight ascended today, the daylight, like a sharp sword, pierced through the thick clouds, revealing the sun. The view became clear, and the entire land seemed to awaken from its hazy slumber of the previous night.

Even in Shui Jing Gong Valley, after the dissipation of the mist, a soft golden morning light embraced the valley. The valley was bustling with people, but the multitude of voices didn’t create much noise; it was as though everyone was afraid of disturbing the morning’s tranquility and elegance.

Though there were few sounds, each person cooperated in silence, even the gray rats carrying large and small bags cooperated diligently. Some helped with the transportation of goods, and some took care of the smaller offspring.

Despite being on a journey, the valley appeared meticulously clean. Even the cultivated fields still bore crops that had sprouted green shoots. It seemed as though they weren’t headed to a distant northern land but were simply going out for a leisurely stroll, returning tonight.

The narrow paths winding through the valley had just been refurbished, making them smooth and clean. Even in the early morning, some were conducting their daily cleaning routines. Every action of the people expressed their reluctance to leave the valley and their love for it.

Some bid farewell by touching the houses they had newly constructed with their own hands, others waved at the lake’s surface, and some gazed around every corner of the valley, hoping to etch every detail into their memories. When they first arrived, this place was a refuge; now, as they departed, it had become their home.

They had spent the most comfortable winter here, learning once again to trust their teammates with their backs and taking a daring leap of faith together. The sadness of parting mingled with the thin morning mist, and though the mist dispersed, the sorrow remained.

Today was the day when the Shui Jing Gong people decided to officially migrate northward, and many had spent a sleepless night. Facing the unknown, people always harbored apprehensions. Especially after a cozy winter, venturing out of the valley for an exceedingly long migration required courage from everyone.

Concerning the road ahead, there were doubts, expectations, confusion, and longing. In truth, if it weren’t for Gu Langu and Shu Shuishui leading the way, this grand migration might not have succeeded.

Is living in the valley not good? With its protective barrier, favorable weather, no worries about mutated creatures, and no hunger, the valley, just as its name suggests, is indeed a crystal palace compared to the outside world.

However, when they saw the mutated rats preparing to migrate with their families, who could still dare to say they wanted to stay?

If the world had truly been destroyed, would they still be considered truly alive in their secluded corner? If the world had perished, would there be any meaning to their fortunate survival? These questions might seem distant and grand, but in reality, they were right in front of them, forcing them to make a choice.

In the end, all 253 members of Shui Jing Gong, along with 42 mutated gray rats, prepared for the grand migration.

After packing their bags, they set off in silence. When the sun had completely risen above the horizon, they had climbed to the mountain’s peak from the valley, and ahead of them was the descent from the mountain. However, the road would not continue all the way down to the base of the mountain because it had turned into an expanse of water. The melting snow had already filled the mountain valleys, forming vast hills, rivers, and streams.

Before descending the mountain and leaving, everyone stood together at the mountain’s peak, gazing down at the valley. It stood in stark contrast to the watery world surrounding it, still lush and vibrant, truly unique.

Even the small portion of mutated rats who decided to stay climbed to the mountaintop to bid farewell. The rats huddled tightly together, offering prayers for each other’s safety in the uncertain future. After all, no one could say for certain whether staying or migrating was the safer choice now.

The mutated rats who chose to stay found Shu Shuishui and implored him to take extra care of them, given their shared rodent nature. At the same time, they assured him that they would look after the valley and tend to the growing spirit trees. As long as the valley remained, they would care for it each day and treat those spirit trees as their own offspring.

Shu Shuishui transformed into his dormouse form and embraced the mutated rats, patting his own small chest to reassure them that everything would be fine. He promised to take good care of the gray rats.

In the end, with a command, the group took their departing steps.

There were no heart-wrenching cries of farewell because most of them had chosen to follow Gu Langu and Shu Shuishui into the unknown. But the valley that had sheltered them throughout the winter seemed to carry too many memories and happiness behind.

One could even say without exaggeration that since being exiled to the Cang Zhan Star, that valley was their only and entire repository of happy memories.

This group of usually cheerful men had fallen into silence, and some even discreetly reddened their eyes. It wasn’t fear; it was reluctance.

In the span of a few months, it seemed as though the valley had developed a soul, like a benevolent elder, sheltering them from the elements and tolerating their sudden intrusion.

A younger person couldn’t hold back a choked sob. “Will…will we…come back?”

Someone nearby responded without hesitation. “Yes! No matter how far we go in the future, this place will always be our home!”

“Yeah! We will definitely come back!”

“I planted a row of radishes outside the gate, and I didn’t even have a chance to harvest them.”

A young mutated rat stood nearby, still struggling to understand human language, but when he heard the word “radish,” his eyes lit up. Then, he skillfully pulled out a small flag with the words, “Gray Rat Company, Online Radish Collection.”

After a moment of bewilderment, the surrounding people burst into laughter, dispelling the previously somber atmosphere. The younger boy, now smiling through his tears, remarked, “It seems you guys have been busy collecting radishes in the valley.”

The young mutated rat trotted along with the group as they descended the mountain, oblivious to the sorrows of leaving home. At times, it ran ahead, and at times, it lagged behind. It was a carefree little bundle filled with curiosity about the outside world, showing no signs of panic, especially since its parents were part of the migrating force.

The path downhill had been cleared in advance, making the journey relatively smooth. It was unclear who initiated it, but a chorus gradually emanated from the group. It was a homesick song, likely a well-known tune across the Canghai galaxy, transcending planetary boundaries, allowing everyone to hum along.

Gu Langu and Shu Shuishui walked at the front of the procession, and upon hearing the gradually rising chorus from behind, they couldn’t help but exchange smiles. They didn’t know what they were smiling about, but the current situation seemed promising. At least, no one had been scared away by the unknown.

Nan Ge also curved his lips into a smile and joined in the humming. As for Yu Jin, he needed no encouragement; he had been singing joyously from the beginning, infusing a sense of fervor into the gentle homesick melody.

The song echoed through the mountain ranges as they walked, floating back to the valley, reassuring the waiting creatures and the valley itself that they would be safe on their journey and that they would miss their hometown, the Shui Jing Gong. The song also wafted down the mountain, announcing to the future that they had arrived, regardless of the dangers that lay ahead; they were unafraid.

Shu Shuishui quietly extended his hand and used his pinky to hook onto the sleeve of Gu Langu’s robe, leaning close to his ear. “Gu Gu, don’t worry. I’ll build more Shui Jing Gong for you until the entire Cang Zhan Star turns into a Shui Jing Gong.”

Gu Langu reached out and clasped the finger that was about to slip away. “I’m not worried. After all, Shui Shui has already given me a universe. With Shui Shui by my side, anywhere is a Shui Jing Gong.”

Nan Ge, who was walking alongside them, received an unexpected dose of affection and glanced at Gu Langu with a slightly curious look. He couldn’t help but feel that something was different about him, as if he had gained a certain sense of vitality unnoticed.

Meanwhile, the exuberantly singing Yu Jin joined them, wrapping an arm around Shu Shuishui’s shoulder. “Shui Shui, can you sing? I’ll teach you! Come on, let’s sing together!”

Gu Langu’s gaze was locked onto the hand Yu Jin had placed on Shu Shuishui’s shoulder, sharp as a knife, seemingly ready to chop off that hand.

Even the slow-witted Yu Jin felt a bit uneasy and instinctively withdrew his hand. However, he still enthusiastically encouraged Shu Shuishui to join the chorus. Nan Ge, standing nearby, shook his head in resignation, wondering if Yu Jin was fearless or simply audacious.

As a dormouse who loved to sing, Shu Shuishui gladly accepted the invitation to join the chorus and quickly caught up with the rhythm. In the end, Shu Shuishui successfully pulled Gu Langu into the singing group.

As Shu Shuishui sang, he also propped up his ears to listen attentively to Gu Langu’s singing beside him. Gu Langu’s voice was very gentle, like the thin mist that had yet to disperse this morning, gently touching the heart, leaving no trace but offering comfort. Amidst the harmonious chorus, Shu Shuishui smiled, then gave a thumbs-up to Gu Langu.

Gu Langu blushed, unexpectedly unlocking a shy emotion. The tenderness in his singing seeped into his gaze, melting away the coldness.

Shu Shuishui, upon noticing Gu Langu’s embarrassment, even more considerately moved closer, covering Gu Langu’s ears with his hands as if to shield them from prying eyes.

Gu Langu couldn’t help but chuckle at Shu Shuishui’s actions, nudging his head against his and whispering, “Now everyone knows.”

Shu Shuishui smiled somewhat smugly. “No, only I can see.”

The two self-deluding individuals locked eyes for a moment and couldn’t help bursting into laughter. Shu Shuishui hopped onto Gu Langu’s back, still covering Gu Langu’s ears with his hands, proving his point through action.

Gu Langu’s steps remained steady, humming the song, and he reached his arm back to secure Shu Shuishui on his back, his usually straight posture slightly leaning forward to prevent the spirited Shu Shuishui from falling.

Amidst the echoing song, the group gradually moved farther and farther away until their figures eventually disappeared. The gray rats who remained atop the mountain stood in silence for a long time, reluctant to leave. Different paths, yet all required resilience. You support each other, and work together, while we guard our homeland, sharing life and death together.