Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

Chapter 340 The Greatest Blessing in My Life

During the banquet, the members of the Xiaoliang Village hunting team were also warmly received by the villagers.

Yang Youcai personally held up a wine glass and toasted each person one by one.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

The black cat paid no attention to the human feast and curled up at Li Xiangyang's feet.

At this moment, several elderly people from the village walked shakily into the courtyard, carrying several hand-woven items in their hands, including straw hats, straw sandals, and small straw baskets.

The elderly man at the head of the group walked up to Li Xiangyang and handed him the things he was carrying: "Young man, these were made by a few of us old folks. They're not worth much, just a token of our appreciation."

Li Xiangyang quickly stood up and accepted the gift with both hands, saying, "Grandpa, you're too kind of me."

"Don't be shy, please accept this." The old man smiled, his wrinkled face full of sincerity. He didn't say anything more, patted Li Xiangyang on the shoulder, and turned to leave.

The banquet lasted until evening, and at the villagers' earnest request, Li Xiangyang and his party had no choice but to stay until the next day.

As night fell, the village gradually quieted down.

The next morning, Li Xiangyang led his hunting team away from Heping Village and embarked on their journey home.

Yang Youcai and the villagers saw them off at the village entrance, reluctant to part.

"Brother Li, remember to come often!" Yang Youcai waved goodbye.

Li Xiangyang nodded in agreement and led the team toward Xiaoliang Village.

On the way back, everyone was in a good mood and chatted about their experiences over the past few days.

Li Daqiang suddenly asked, "Xiangyang, what exactly is that red-haired rat? How can such a strange thing exist?"

Li Xiangyang pondered for a moment: "It sounds strange, but it's not too eerie. There are many things in nature that we don't understand; we just don't encounter them usually."

Zhang Weiping picked up the conversation: "Then tell me, how could this red-haired rat command a weasel?"

Li Xiangyang shook his head: "I can't say for sure. It could be some kind of symbiotic relationship, or it could be a coincidence... But speaking of which, I have heard from the older generation that there are indeed some peculiar animals in some deep mountains and forests, such as the weasel with supernatural abilities."

Li Dabao asked curiously, "Psychic ability? What does that mean?"

Li Xiangyang smiled and said, "It means they're exceptionally smart, good at learning and adapting. But these are mostly just old wives' tales."

"So we've really seen something amazing this time, haven't we?" Zhang Erhu said excitedly. "It's almost like what the older generation calls 'becoming a spirit'!"

Everyone burst into laughter when they heard this.

Chen Chen, who hadn't said much until now, suddenly spoke up: "Brother Xiangyang, do you think this incident might be related to the weather? I remember last winter, our village had a rat infestation, but it wasn't this severe. This year there's been a lot of rain, and the grain harvest is reduced. Are the rats hungry too, making them more prone to causing trouble?"

Li Xiangyang glanced at Chen Chen with surprise, then nodded approvingly: "Chen Chen makes a good point. Natural disasters and man-made calamities are often linked. This rat infestation may indeed be related to the recent weather and reduced grain production."

"Alright everyone, who cares what the reason is? Life goes on." Wang Ergou patted the bundle on his back filled with weasel pelts and laughed, "This trip wasn't a waste; I got some good pelts. Let's share them. Perfect for making a scarf for my wife when I get home."

Li Xiangyang smiled and shook his head: "You little rascal, you know how to pamper your wife."

"Who doesn't love their wife? Don't you miss Li Xiaoyun?" Wang Ergou asked with a smile.

Li Xiangyang smiled broadly when Li Xiaoyun was mentioned. The thought of seeing her soon filled him with warmth.

Wang Ergou saw through his thoughts and teased, "Missing your wife? Look how happy you are."

Li Xiangyang smiled sheepishly: "Yes, I really missed her after being away from home for a few days."

After laughing and dividing the hides, the group continued on their way, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of Xiaoliang Village.

"You're back!" Several children at the village entrance cheered and ran over when they saw them, curiously circling around the hunting party.

Li Xiangyang smiled and patted one of the children on the head: "Yes, you're back."

"I heard you went to Heping Village to hunt rat demons. Did you catch them?" a boy of about ten years old asked with wide eyes.

Wang Ergou immediately perked up, winking mysteriously: "Of course! We caught a giant red-haired rat demon! It's incredible; it can command not only hordes of rats but also weasels!"

"Really?" The children exclaimed, their mouths agape in surprise.

Watching Wang Ergou tease the child, Li Xiangyang shook his head helplessly and waved to the group: "Alright, everyone go back and rest. You've worked hard these past few days."

Everyone nodded and dispersed. Wang Ergou and Li Xiangyang waved goodbye and continued to play with the child.

Li Xiangyang, with the black cat in tow, strolled slowly home.

The thought of seeing Li Xiaoyun soon made him quicken his pace involuntarily.

Upon entering the courtyard, Li Xiaoyun was hanging clothes to dry. Hearing the noise, she turned around and saw Li Xiangyang, her eyes immediately lighting up.

"You're back!" Li Xiaoyun put down the clothes she was holding and quickly came to greet her.

Li Xiangyang smiled and nodded, then stepped forward and gently hugged her: "Yes, you're back."

Li Xiaoyun nestled in his arms, but after a moment, she frowned slightly and pushed Li Xiangyang away: "What's that smell on you? You stink!"

Li Xiangyang scratched his head awkwardly: "I've been hunting rats in Heping Village these past few days, and I smell a bit of that."

"Go wash up quickly! I'll boil some water for you." Li Xiaoyun waved her hand dismissively and turned to walk towards the kitchen.

"Okay!" Li Xiangyang replied with a smile, his heart filled with warmth as he watched his wife's busy figure.

Li Xiaoyun had just reached the kitchen door when she turned back, her eyes filled with worry: "Has anything happened these past few days?"

Li Xiangyang shook his head: "It's nothing, we just ran into a few weasels while chasing the rats, but we dealt with them all."

Li Xiaoyun breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "That's good. Go change your clothes quickly, don't make the house dirty."

Li Xiangyang smiled and responded, then, as if remembering something, asked, "How are you feeling? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm perfectly fine, what could possibly be wrong with me?" Li Xiaoyun stroked her still-flat stomach, her tone softening. "But you, how have you been eating these past few days?"

"It's alright, I just miss your cooking."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyun blushed slightly, but her words were still sharp: "Alright, alright, stop being so cheeky, go take a shower!"

Li Xiangyang smiled and nodded before entering the bathroom.

Soon, hot water was ready, and Li Xiangyang took a refreshing shower, changed into clean clothes, and felt completely refreshed.

Back inside, Li Xiaoyun had already prepared a meal. Although it was simple, the aroma was irresistible and made one's mouth water.

"Come on, eat it while it's hot." Li Xiaoyun gestured for Li Xiangyang to sit down.

Looking at the food in front of him and then at his busy wife, Li Xiangyang was lost in thought.

"What's wrong? Why are you spacing out? Is it not to your liking?" Li Xiaoyun asked, puzzled, when she saw Li Xiangyang not moving.

Li Xiangyang snapped out of his reverie and shook his head: "No, I was thinking that marrying you is truly the greatest blessing of my life."

Li Xiaoyun's eyes widened slightly, a blush rising to her cheeks. She scolded playfully, "You're talking nonsense again! Let's eat."