Wizard: Starting from the Skill Tree-Chapter 481: Yining Village

Currently, the relationship between the Sea Race and the Wizards remains relatively peaceful, although there are some minor frictions in certain places. Overall, they are still in a stage of peaceful coexistence.

Moreover, Duke had just intervened, which can be considered as assisting these Sea Race Warriors, saving them once.

Kasa naturally wouldn’t make things difficult for Duke over such a minor issue; these demons were slain by Duke, so of course, he could take them away.

More importantly, Kasa also doesn’t believe he could defeat Duke. He is keenly aware of the danger posed by this young man before him, staying vigilant since the first encounter with Duke, with tense muscles throughout.

Having interacted with Wizards before, he knows they are unpredictable, and Duke gave him a very frightening impression, constantly making him feel that this young man is like a terrifying demon.

Duke also noticed the tension and vigilance of these Sea Race Warriors before him, thus he didn’t approach them too closely, merely gathering a few nearby demon corpses to store them in the Space Ring for later study.

"We need to continue our journey; take care," Duke acknowledged the pressure he exerted on these Sea Races and decided to leave directly, without intending to stay on this island.

He recalls there are two more islands ahead suitable for resting, though a bit farther, but if it weren’t for these unknown demons, they could serve as a temporary resting point.

"Thank you once again for your assistance, may the blessings of the ocean be with you." Kasa solemnly bowed.

The other Sea Race Warriors respectfully bowed and thanked him too, for he saved their lives.

Duke and Vivian remounted the Storm Dragon Eagle, soaring into the sky, continuing to fly over the seascape ahead.

They didn’t dwell much on the matter, treating it simply as a minor episode in their journey.

...

The Storm Dragon Eagle carried Duke and Vivian, reaching the skies above Florence Continent, Vera Kingdom, Jade Province at dusk on the sixth day.

When the vast, familiar plains of Maple Hill County came into view, both Duke and Vivian were overwhelmed with indescribable complex emotions.

In the plains, scantily seen farmers bowing over the fields, sowing the seeds of hope, reminiscent of the scene when Duke once reaped wheat here many years ago.

Yet, while things have changed, the slender boy of those days has grown into a Wizard soaring in the sky.

Duke guided the Storm Dragon Eagle not to fly directly to Fengqiu City, but to land at the edge of the vast, familiar plains of Maple Hill County, in a secluded, unpopulated corner.

"Let’s go to Yining Village first," Duke suggested to Vivian, as below lies the village he once inhabited, naturally drawing him to revisit it now they are here.

The two leaped off the back of the Storm Dragon Eagle, Duke patted its neck, signaling it to circle high in the air vigilantly without disturbing the commoners.

Subsequently, they concealed all extraordinary auras around them, becoming like two ordinary travelers returning from afar, stepping onto the familiar dirt road leading to Yining Village.

The setting sun elongated their shadows; beside the road, the wheat fields recently planted with tender green seedlings sprouting forth, covering the brown earth with a thin veil of hope, the air imbued with the aroma of soil and the scent of grass.

As the low, familiar outlines of the houses of Yining Village emerged in their view, Duke couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional.

They entered the village, heading straight toward the small house in their memory.

The yard was clean and tidy, with a few plump hens in the chicken coop, dried corn hanging under the eaves, presenting a peaceful and harmonious rural scene.

Duke was momentarily stunned seeing the corn; it was a rare item in his time, but now seems commonplace.

A white-haired, slightly stooped elderly lady was sitting on a small stool at the doorway, mending clothes by the last light of day; she was Aunt Anna.

Duke paused, took a deep breath, and softly called out, "Aunt Anna."

Aunt Anna heard the voice, lifted her head and squinted towards the newcomer.

When her gaze focused on Duke’s face, the needlework in her hands slipped to the ground.

She stood up tremblingly, rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

"Du... Duke? Is it little Duke?" Her voice carried a tremor and immense joy.

"It’s me, Aunt Anna, I’m back," Duke stepped quickly forward, holding Aunt Anna who was too excited to stand steadily.

"It’s truly you! John! John! Come out quickly! Duke is back! Duke is back!" Aunt Anna shouted excitedly into the house.

Soon, Uncle John, aged considerably but still relatively spirited, came hurriedly out from the house, hesitated a moment upon seeing Duke, then broke into a beaming smile, vigorously slapping Duke’s shoulder:

"Good lad! Finally back! I knew it, you lad was bound to make something of yourself!"

Though Duke hadn’t said anything yet, the aura he emits and his attire unmistakably revealed his extraordinary status.

Uncle John and Aunt Anna could tell, Duke now has certainly done well, his aura comparable to that of the Earl they once met.

Their gaze then fell upon the elegantly poised Vivian beside Duke, promptly recognizing her as the lord’s daughter, immediately appearing somewhat reserved and respectful. Vivian quickly signaled them with a smile not to be overly formal. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Entering the house, the furnishings have improved considerably from Duke’s departure, with tables and chairs no longer worn, and even some fresh fruits placed on the table.

The several hundred Gold Coins Duke left behind, through Captain Wood’s thoughtful management, have evidently greatly improved the villagers’ lives.

"Thanks to you, Duke." Uncle John remarked emotionally, "Captain Wood sends people annually with money and food, making life much better in the village, the houses are repaired, folks have enough to eat... everyone remembers your kindness."

Aunt Anna clutched Duke’s hand, endlessly asking if he had been well these years, where he had gone, whether he had suffered.

Duke patiently answered, stating merely he had gone far to learn, reassuring them, without revealing the perilous world of Wizards.

He also learned that Sister Loy has married in a neighboring village and now has three children.

Seeing the old couple’s satisfying and gratified smiles, with time carving indelible marks upon them, Duke felt warm yet a bit poignant.

To ordinary folks, serene and content living is the greatest happiness, yet, time passes so ruthlessly.

He didn’t linger long in the village, leaving behind some gentle, nourishing supplements from the West Coast benefiting the elderly, then quietly left alongside Vivian amidst the old couple’s reluctant gaze, as discreetly as they had arrived.