Chapter 164: Haiao Village

Chapter 164: Chapter 164: Haiao Village

"Line up and come get water one by one," the government officers said.

The prisoners stepped forward in succession, taking the water offered by the government officers and gulping it down. Looks of satisfaction appeared on their faces, as if it were the sweetest water they had ever tasted.

After drinking, the prisoners resumed their journey. Their steps seemed lighter, as if they were filled with renewed strength. Watching their retreating figures, the government officers couldn’t help but smile. This was by far the most cooperative group of exiled prisoners they had ever escorted. As for the ones they had dealt with in the past—pfft! Better left unsaid!

They had to walk for two or three days for this leg of the journey, entirely on foot. Since they didn’t know the temperament of these government officers, no one dared to ask about taking breaks, nor did anyone stick their necks out to ask if they could buy provisions. They simply kept their heads down and walked, behaving exceptionally well.

The government officers were more than happy to enjoy the peace. They hadn’t beaten or scolded the prisoners, nor had they cracked their whips once. For now, the whips in their hands were purely for show. In truth, the exiled prisoners had been terrified upon seeing the whips, fearing the lashes would land on their own skin.

Keeping up this brisk pace, they traveled for two and a half days, arriving at Haiao Village ahead of schedule.

Upon reaching Haiao Village, everyone looked around curiously. Not far away, the ocean sparkled under the light. Fishing boats and bamboo rafts dotted the surface of the water. As they walked along the winding path toward the village, they admired the coastal scenery. A gentle sea breeze blew past, carrying the salty and refreshing scent of the ocean.

Entering the village, they saw fishermen mending nets and women sun-drying seafood. The village houses were built from stone and wood, giving them a quaint, rustic appearance.

Many people in this group had lived in the north their entire lives and had never seen the sea. Seeing the ocean for the first time, no matter how hard they tried to hold back, they couldn’t stop themselves from gasping in awe. With widened eyes, they stared at the boundless blue expanse, their hearts filled with shock and reverence.

The waves crashed against the coastal reefs with a rumbling roar, as if telling them the stories of the sea. The gentle sea breeze brushed against their faces, bringing a hint of saltiness and allowing them to truly feel the breath of the ocean. They strolled along the coastline, feeling the soft sand beneath their feet while gazing at the surging waves in the distance. Some squatted down to touch the water, feeling its temperature and power; others spread their arms, embracing the sea breeze and relishing the sense of freedom.

Their faces beamed with excitement and joy, as if they had forgotten all their troubles and exhaustion. For a moment, they even somewhat ignored the government officers standing nearby. At this moment, they felt the charm and power of nature, realizing how small and fragile humanity was in comparison. Standing before the mighty ocean, one couldn’t help but feel as though they could be mercilessly swallowed by it in the next second.

From now on, they would be living in this place! Many felt a growing sense of anticipation, mixed with fear of the unknown. What exactly was in the sea? Could they really catch things from it to sell for money and make a living? They had never even set foot in the sea before.

Seeing their behavior, the government officers immediately shouted for them to quiet down!

They were currently standing on the beach, as it was the most spacious area. Furthermore, the village was essentially built in a circle along the coastline. They could see the nearby houses, and many villagers peered out at them. Before long, the villagers ran off in a panic, all heading in the same direction—clearly off to fetch someone.

At the same time, the government officers sent their own men to find the village head and the clan leader to complete the final handover. Once that was done, they could finally leave.