Chapter 618 - 286: Lin Qingyi Arrives

Hearing this name, Li Hengsheng felt an inexplicable sense of closeness.

However, there was no other aura to be sensed from Li Lu'Er, so Li Hengsheng didn't think much of it.

As for this brave girl who came to Lingxia Pass, wanting to fight for the Human Race, Li Hengsheng held a good impression, and the sense of closeness was quite strong.

So, he let Li Lu'Er stay by his side.

Li Lu'Er's strength was indeed impressive; her swordsmanship was superb. Even though she had the cultivation of a Postnatal Peak, she could still fight against the Innate on the battlefield.

After half a year, through numerous battles of various sizes, Li Lu'Er's achievements were remarkable, and Li Hengsheng directly made her a squad leader under his command.

The night began to fall.

Today marked yet another victory in battle.

The blazing bonfire illuminated the somewhat solemn city.

Gradually, the aroma of roasting meat wafted near the city gate.

Many people were enjoying this moment of leisure here.

Li Hengsheng sat on the ground, accompanied by a few disciples of the Human Race, who were under his command. They were currently watching the chicken roasted by Li Hengsheng with watering mouths.

The chicken in Li Hengsheng's hands was roasted to a golden crisp, dripping with oil, its aroma wafting out, with occasional brushes of honey water on top, making it irresistible.

"Leader, is it ready to eat?" a chubby disciple couldn't help but swallow.

"What's the hurry? It's almost done." Li Hengsheng said while slowly turning the chicken.

"Leader, your level of roasting chicken is really unmatched," another young man complimented. He was a disciple from a noble family, missing an arm, having been chopped off by the Ghost Race on the battlefield two months ago.

Hearing this, Li Hengsheng paused, then smiled and said, "Then you haven't tasted truly delicious roast chicken."

"I used to have a senior brother whose roast chicken was far better than mine. The first time I tasted his roast chicken, it really amazed me!" As he spoke, Li Hengsheng's eyes seemed to hold a hint of reflection: "At that time, that chicken was actually stolen together by him and me from our senior sister's peak. I was timid, afraid of being discovered by her, and didn't dare to eat much; most of it went into his stomach."

"Leader, since you already deemed it delicious, it must be extraordinary."

The chubby disciple wiped away his drool.

"It was the best roast chicken I've ever had in my life."

Li Hengsheng said confidently.

"Where is the leader's senior brother now?"

Someone asked.

"He..." Li Hengsheng's hand paused, then after a moment of reflection, said, "Died years ago in the Cloud Wasteland, died in my arms."

"To save me."

Li Hengsheng's words brought silence to the few people present.

"Leader, my mother once said, a person isn't necessarily truly dead when they die," Li Lu'Er pondered for a moment before saying, "though I don't understand what my mother meant by this."

"Your mother speaks quite profoundly."

Li Hengsheng smiled slightly.

After roasting and finishing off two chickens, Li Hengsheng took Li Lu'Er on a patrol up on the city wall.

"I've never asked, is it just you and your mother at home?"

Li Hengsheng asked as they walked.

"Yes, it was my mother who raised me from young." Li Lu'Er said truthfully.

"What about your father?"

Li Hengsheng asked curiously.

"He's dead." Li Lu'Er said silently, "My mother said she killed him by her own hand."

Hearing this, Li Hengsheng gave Li Lu'Er a surprised glance.

"I don't understand either." Seeing Li Hengsheng's astonished look, Li Lu'Er said awkwardly, "I asked my mother, and she didn't explain."

"Grown-up matters, perhaps you'll understand when you grow up."

Li Hengsheng said with a smile.

"What about you, leader? Do you have any children?"

"I have a son."

"He must be very happy to have such a great father like you, leader."

"I actually owe a lot to that boy of mine. His mother and I grew up in the Ancient Land of Dao Mountain. We intended to bring him along, but he had no interest in cultivation, so he stayed at the old home, basically raised by his grandpa, seeing him only a few times a year."

"That sounds quite fortunate too." Li Lu'Er said a bit despondently, "I have no grandpa, never met my father, and as a child, I lived in a small village by the sea with my mother. She was strict, made me practice swordsmanship from a young age, telling me that as a woman, if I didn't have the ability to protect myself, I'd surely be bullied someday."

"Having some skills is always good; your mother was right." Curious, Li Hengsheng asked, "So your mother let you come out to experience the world?"

"No."

Li Lu'Er shook her head: "One day three years ago, my mother left a letter and then departed. I don't know where to."

"Maybe she had some urgent matters."

Li Hengsheng could only offer this consolation.

But after saying this, Li Hengsheng clearly saw that Li Lu'Er's expression was somewhat downcast.

Li Hengsheng patted Li Lu'Er on the shoulder, smiling as he said, "One day, when your mother finishes her business, she'll come back to find you."

"Yes, although my mother was especially strict with me from a young age, I truly like her and miss her dearly." Li Lu'Er looked up, tears glistening in her eyes, "I just hope my mother is safe and sound now."

"Don't worry, she'll be fine." Li Hengsheng suddenly asked, "What's your mother's name? Tell me, and I'll ask the Evergreen Commerce Association to help find her."

"My mother..." Li Lu'Er began to say, but suddenly remembered her mother's longstanding warning: never reveal her name to anyone, or else it could attract enemies.