Chapter Seventy-Nine: Chief Zhang

Li Sibai followed Elder Yuan outside. At the same time, several people approached from the opposite direction. The one leading them was a middle-aged man, seven feet tall, with a dignified and commanding presence. Behind him were three elders, all about the same age as Elder Yuan, clearly of elder status as well.

“Chieftain, you’re here,” Elder Yuan stepped forward, nodding slightly to the middle-aged man.

“No need for such formality, Elder Yuan,” replied the man addressed as chieftain, hastening to return the gesture. The three elders behind him also greeted Elder Yuan in turn.

The chieftain glanced at Li Sibai and said, “Young friend, you’re awake. Let’s talk inside, shall we?” With that, he led the way into the house they had just left. The elders cast a few curious glances at Li Sibai before filing in after the chieftain.

The chieftain took the seat of honor, with the four elders sitting below him.

Li Sibai, seeing that all present were his elders, felt it inappropriate to sit and converse with them, so he decided to remain standing.

At that moment, the chieftain smiled and beckoned to Li Sibai, “Come, sit here,” he said, pointing to the spot beside him.

Li Sibai hesitated, feeling it improper to sit at the chieftain’s side while the other elders sat below. Yet the chieftain’s gaze was firm, leaving no room for doubt. Reluctantly, Li Sibai sat down.

“I am the chieftain of this village. My surname is Zhang. You may call me Chieftain Zhang.”

Li Sibai quickly rose and saluted, “Chieftain Zhang, my name is Li Sibai. Thank you for saving me.”

Chieftain Zhang nodded and continued, “You’ve already met Elder Yuan. These three are also elders of our village: Elder Ma, Elder Zhao, and Elder Chen,” he said, gesturing to the others.

Li Sibai, preoccupied with his own concerns, did not pay close attention to their faces—he only noted that Elder Ma was quite stout, Elder Chen was tall, and Elder Zhao’s hair was entirely silver.

He bowed to each of them in turn. They were all older than he, and had saved his life; a bit of extra courtesy would never go amiss.

Chieftain Zhang, seeing his modesty and proper manners, nodded approvingly.

Before Li Sibai could speak, the chieftain said, “Young hero Li, I hear you have a companion who is missing. Is this true?”

Li Sibai had been looking for an opportunity to ask for their help in searching, but to his delight, the chieftain brought it up himself. “Yes, Chieftain, I came here with a little girl of six or seven years—my younger sister. She’s so young and not strong. I’m very worried that something may have happened to her. I hope you might help me look for her.”

Chieftain Zhang nodded. “That’s not difficult. As long as your sister is still within our village, we will certainly find her.”

Li Sibai’s heart sank a little at this. It was the same as what Elder Yuan had said—they would only search within the immediate area. If she wasn’t found, he’d have to search the bamboo forest on his own.

Having made up his mind, he hid his worry and quickly thanked Chieftain Zhang.

Not wasting any time, Chieftain Zhang called over a man named Le Chen, who appeared to be about the same age as himself. Chieftain Zhang gave him detailed instructions, and Le Chen prepared to set out.

Li Sibai, anxious, wanted to go along. “Chieftain, my injuries are not serious. I am truly worried—please let me help search as well.”

But Chieftain Zhang replied unhurriedly, “Young hero Li, just describe your sister’s appearance and circumstances to him. If she’s within our bamboo village, we will find her for you. You don’t need to go yourself. If she isn’t here, it means there is nothing more we can do—then you may decide what to do next. For now, rest here and wait for news. Besides, I have some questions I wish to ask you.”

Li Sibai realized the chieftain was right. Though his wounds were mostly healed, his internal energy had not fully recovered, and he was far from his best state. If, after all this, he had to enter the bamboo forest himself, he would indeed need to recover first.

He then gave Le Chen a detailed description of Caiyao. When he recounted, with some color and humor, his sister’s famous gluttony, Le Chen was momentarily taken aback, then struggled not to laugh—who describes their own little sister as a total foodie with such seriousness? He wondered how the girl would feel hearing that.

But all these details helped. Li Sibai described Caiyao’s clothing and appearance, and Le Chen soon had a clear picture.

“Don’t worry, young hero Li. I, Le Chen, will not fail in this task,” Le Chen said with a sweep of his arm before leaving the house.

Li Sibai calmed himself and asked, “Chieftain Zhang, is there anything else I can help with? You have saved my life and now are helping me search for Caiyao. Though I don’t yet know what will come of it, if there is anything you need, please tell me.”

Chieftain Zhang smiled and nodded. He had agreed so readily in order to reassure Li Sibai, and now Li Sibai’s willing response was a fair return.

“There’s nothing in particular; I simply have a few questions I’d like to ask you.”

“Please ask. As long as it’s something I know, I will answer you fully.”

Chieftain Zhang glanced at the four elders. Their expressions were grave, but they each nodded slightly, signaling their agreement for him to proceed.

Chieftain Zhang paused and coughed gently. “It’s like this: may I ask where you acquired that sword of yours?” As he spoke, all eyes turned to the Xuantian Sword behind Li Sibai, their gazes locking onto him.

Li Sibai felt a jolt as five pairs of eyes bore into him. The question touched directly upon his secret, and he found himself at a loss.

Should he really answer without reservation, as he had just promised? The matter involved many secrets—his, the old tree spirit’s, even those of the Xuantian Sword Sect.

But if he did not speak truthfully, should he invent a story? These seasoned elders might not believe him, and after they had saved him, would it be right to deceive them?

Li Sibai hesitated, sweat breaking out on his forehead. Anyone watching might have thought it was just weakness from his recent recovery.

“This… this…”

Chieftain Zhang, seeing his indecision, said, “Do you have some secret you cannot share? Let me make it easier: I’ll ask, you answer only yes or no. Will that do?”

Li Sibai nodded quickly, embarrassed that he could not fulfill his earlier promise. The chieftain’s generosity—neither blaming him nor pressing him—left him with no more reason to refuse.