Getting back to Banan Village wasn't as simple as hopping on a direct mode of transportation; it required a sequence of transitions from plane to train, train to three-wheel motorcycle, and lastly to an ox cart, followed by a trek of several dozen miles on foot before one could finally arrive.

Given a month's time, which wasn't short, and taking into account the exhaustive journey by various vehicles, Xu Fan worried that the two women might collapse along the way. They decided to rest for the night in Dianzang City before continuing the next day.

Clearly, the term "hometown," held little meaning for the Xia sisters, who had grown up in the city.

It was only after bumping along the road with Xu Fan that they began to grasp a faint understanding of it.

"Xu Fan, are we there yet?"

Having hopped off the ox cart and seen Xu Fan bid farewell to the Tibetan locals in their language, Xia Xiaodie rubbed her legs and asked.

Xu Fan took a rough glance and replied, "About twenty more miles, I guess."

"Ah?"

Xia Xiaodie almost crumbled; the distance was just too far...

"Xu Fan, I can't walk anymore..."

Pouting, she began to plead.

If they kept going like this, she reckoned she would die of exhaustion before any poison took effect.

"..."

Feeling sorry for the pestering girl, Xu Fan shook his head, pointed to his back, and said, "Come on up, I'll carry you."

"Hehe, riding the big horse."

Xia Xiaodie, seeing Xu Fan's concern for her, giggled and prepared to get on, but she quickly glanced over at Xia Yanyu.

"Silly sister, go ahead."

Understanding her sister's hesitation, Xia Yanyu smiled and gave her permission.

Thus, Xu Fan carried Xia Xiaodie on his back, leading Xia Yanyu in the direction of Banan Village.

"Sister, let me walk for a bit, and let Xu Fan carry you."

After almost ten miles, Xia Xiaodie, perched on Xu Fan's back and seeing her sister's fatigue, spoke with concern.

"No... no need, I... I can still walk."

Upon hearing this, Xia Yanyu's face turned red with a guilty conscience, and she waved her hands, hastily declining.

Assuming her sister was just being conscious of the propriety between men and women, Xia Xiaodie didn't think much of it.

Jumping off Xu Fan's back, she took her sister's arm and said, "Sister, what if you collapse from tiredness, what then?"

"This..."

Xia Yanyu glanced at Xu Fan awkwardly.

The truth was, this had been her first time experiencing such exhaustion, but she truly didn't dare to get so close to Xu Fan in front of her sister...

"Enough, stop arguing, I'll carry you instead."

Twisting the fabric of her clothes nervously, and seeing the reluctance in his eyes, Xu Fan chuckled, and without waiting for Xia Yanyu to refuse, he forcefully lifted her by her legs and hoisted her onto his back.

Feeling Xu Fan's strong hands supporting her thighs, Xia Yanyu's face flushed with embarrassment, and her heart pressed against Xu Fan's back started thumping wildly.

"Alright, hold on tight, let's go."

After all, the weight of the two sisters was practically nonexistent for him, and with that, Xu Fan called out to Xia Yanyu on his back and continued forward.

Soon, the barren landscape gave way, and at last, one could see the sparse columns of smoke rising from the village.

Here, there was no hint of urban pollution—blue skies, white clouds, Great Snow Mountain, and the vast grasslands around them presented a pure and untainted beauty, causing Xia Xiaodie to stare in awe.

"Wow, Xu Fan, I'm so envious you got to grow up here..."

Gazing at the scenery she had never seen before, Xia Xiaodie's eyes sparkled with little stars as she spoke.

She thought to herself that even if she couldn't cure the poison in her body, dying in the place where Xu Fan grew up might also be a good choice.

"Xu Fan, let me down, I've rested enough..."

At this moment, Xia Yanyu shyly jumped down from Xu Fan's back.

"Alright, let's head into the village first."

Xu Fan took a deep breath and led the two towards the village.

As for what they were about to encounter in the village, Xia Xiaodie's eyes were filled with curiosity, like a curious little kitten, constantly sizing up everything around her.

Seeing that the village was getting closer, she couldn't help but ask.

"Xu Fan, will everyone welcome us with good food and drinks?"

As if she had already tasted the delicacies of this small Dianzang village, Xia Xiaodie licked her rosy little lips like a greedy kitten.

Even the usually aloof Xia Yanyu was curious about this land.

However, what intrigued her more was what kind of expert there was in the village that could teach someone as exceptional as Xu Fan...

"As for good food and drinks, you don't have to worry about that, Banan Village's people are simple and honest. Someone like me who has been away for years and has just returned will certainly be welcomed warmly. I'll take you to try the most authentic dried beef and barley wine when the time comes!"

Acting as the host, Xu Fan, now leading the two into the village, patted his chest, guaranteeing them a warm reception.

"Xu Fan, it looks like there are some people coming to welcome us!"

No sooner had she spoken than Xia Xiaodie, pointing ahead, called out joyfully.

Xu Fan was taken aback and followed the direction she pointed. He saw several villagers, armed with firewood knives and sticks, charging over with menacing looks.

"Uh..."

This warm welcome left Xu Fan somewhat embarrassed as he saw Xia Yanyu giving him a puzzled look. He touched his nose and said, "You should still be able to run, right?"

Xia Yanyu and Xia Xiaodie had just asked, and Xu Fan really didn't have the heart to tell them the truth.

Having grown up here with that undying old scoundrel, from a young age, he was known for stealing chickens and dogs. His reputation was merely slightly better than that of a street rat...

The last time he left, he didn't forget to pilfer some things from each household. Now, seeing him return, they were likely out for revenge for past grievances.

Xu Fan grabbed the sisters' hands, ready to dodge the confrontation for a moment.

With the training he had since childhood, there was no problem for him to run. However, with the sisters, that would be an issue.

Before they could get far, the trio was blocked by several Dianzang villagers.

"Hongba, Sangji, Tashi, that... long time no see, I even helped finish off quite a bit of your barley wine before I left."

Xu Fan was now standing in front of the sisters, greeting the men in the Dianzang language.

However, the villagers didn't seem to welcome Xu Fan's enthusiasm, as they did not lower their weapons just yet.

"That... let's catch up later, will we? Look, this time I've brought guests back with me."

"You wouldn't fail to welcome guests, would you?"

The group was aggressive, almost ready to take action, until Xu Fan pointed to the two girls behind him. Only then did the men put down their weapons.

Having grown up in this village and never having seen such beautiful girls, the simple young men suddenly blushed.

They muttered a few disgruntled words at Xu Fan and then walked away.

"Xu Fan, why do I feel like they all seem rather formidable..."

At that time, Xia Yanyu breathed a sigh of relief and said.

Although she didn't understand martial arts, she could tell just from these villagers that they were probably several times stronger than any bodyguard she had seen before.

Xu Fan squinted, watching the men as they left, and smiled, "There isn't anyone simple in this village."

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