Seeing Ye Xuan about to speak, Wei Bangguo waved his hand to interrupt him and continued, "You don't need to rush to agree with me. I haven't forced you to do these things, and you shouldn't feel troubled. What I told you today, just keep it in your heart. I only hope that under your capabilities, without affecting your normal life, you can help me fulfill this small wish!"

"Of course, if you're unwilling, or feel that it will disturb your life to a great extent, then just treat it as if I didn't say anything, and don't pay any attention to it! I don't want you to put yourself in danger to help me fulfill my wish; that's not what I want to see!"

Wei Bangguo sighed quietly, "Ah! Let everything take its course. If you insist on this, it is not my original intention. Even if I enter the netherworld, I will not be at peace..."

This speech caused Ye Xuan to fall into silence.

But soon, he looked up again, staring seriously at Wei Bangguo, and nodded, "Grandpa Wei, I'll remember your words and won't take risks carelessly!"

Wei Bangguo smiled reassuringly, knowing that Ye Xuan was a smart person and it was easy for him to understand his meaning!

With that, he could leave peacefully to the other side.

"Little Ye, I have one more thing to ask of you."

The light in Wei Bangguo's eyes dimmed slightly as he stared firmly at Ye Xuan and spoke again.

"Grandpa Wei, whatever you have to say, just speak directly!" Ye Xuan quickly input True Qi for him to stabilize his Vitality.

Wei Bangguo took a few light breaths, and as his tone gradually calmed, he said, "Little Ye, Susu is my granddaughter. What I'm most worried about now is her... If possible, I hope you can take care of her for me, can you?"

"Alright, Grandpa. I promise you! I'll definitely take good care of Susu."

Seeing the pleading look in Wei Bangguo's eyes, Ye Xuan felt a pang of bitterness in his heart and hastily agreed.

Upon hearing Ye Xuan's affirmative response, a smile finally appeared on Wei Bangguo's aged face, and his brow slowly relaxed.

"Little Ye, I'll leave Susu to you."

Wei Bangguo appeared at peace.

From then on, he had no more worries!

"Grandpa Wei..."

"Little Ye, let go of my hand. I'm tired and want to rest properly."

"I..."

"Child, release it."

"..."

Ye Xuan displayed a complex expression, holding back a gush of tears, and finally, with trembling hands, he let go.

As the True Qi ceased, Wei Bangguo's Vitality rapidly faded, and his vital signs quickly deteriorated! Yet his face remained serene, smiling gently at Ye Xuan like a kind ordinary old man.

Finally, he lost all strength, his eyes slowly closed, and when the last of his Vitality was gone, his breathing stopped.

He departed.

Leaving behind the world he so cherished!

Ye Xuan stood dazed at the bedside for a long time without moving. Looking at the peaceful face of the old man before him, he suddenly understood why the other wished to leave sooner, to at least maintain some peace and make himself feel more at ease!

...

After Wei Bangguo passed away, his funeral was held the next day.

Following his wishes during his life, the funeral was kept simple, without any grand ceremonies, merely arranging a modest mourning hall at home and inviting some relatives and friends to attend.

According to Wei Bangguo's request, his body was cremated, and his ashes were buried on the mountaintop behind the military district courtyard, where he can continue to overlook the entire military district courtyard. He said, even after death, he could accompany it for eternity. Additionally, a pine tree was planted where his ashes were interred, symbolizing Vitality and eternal prosperity, much like the ever-thriving military district and nation!

The Wei Family did not violate Wei Bangguo's wishes. After completing his funeral, they buried the old man's ashes at the peak behind the military district, and planted a pine tree as his tombstone.

That very day, all officers and soldiers of the 21st Group Army spontaneously arrived at the base of the mountain to pay their respects, seeing off the old military leader. Subsequently, even some prominent figures from the Palace in Shangjing arrived at the mountain base to offer silent condolences.

Some even proposed naming the pine tree in front of Wei Bangguo's grave as the General Tree and renaming the mountain to General Mountain, to commemorate the brilliant life of the elderly and accomplished military leader!

This proposal gained unanimous approval from all present and was thus decided.

At nine o'clock in the evening.

General Mountain.

Tonight, the moonlight was bright and clear, casting a silver-white veil over the mountain peak, creating a dreamlike beauty! At night, the gentle breeze swept through, rustling the trees atop the mountain, adding a lively atmosphere to the tranquil peak.

At this moment, a man and a woman sat on a rock not far from Wei Bangguo's grave at the mountain peak, gazing up at the night sky and talking softly to each other.

"Brother Xuan, do you remember what I told you when I went to the East Sea to find you?"

Wei Xiaosu's voice was gentle, like a soft breeze, and without waiting for Ye Xuan to reply, she continued murmuring, "At that time, I told you I wasn't sure if I liked you, or what feelings I had for you, so I said I wanted to spend time with you to understand my true feelings!"

Ye Xuan turned to look at her, asking, "And now? Have you figured it out?"

"I don't know! Honestly, I feel so lost now, uncertain about my feelings for you! After spending time with you, I haven't found the answer I wanted, but instead, I'm more confused. Normally, my affection for you should deepen, but instead, I'm more afraid, feeling a sense of uncertainty and hesitance to approach you like before..."

Wei Xiaosu frowned, her face showing conflicting emotions, and continued, "Grandpa once told me that a person's strength doesn't lie in their appearance, but in their heart! I think my heart isn't strong enough, too weak, or maybe I'm not confident, which is why this happened!"

"I've decided to leave you for a while, to hone my heart and make myself strong enough. Staying by your side, I'd only develop a dependency on you, which isn't good for me to become strong! So, I want to go to a harsh environment to train and truly become strong. Only in this way, I won't fear any challenges and can be worthy of you, without being caught in this dilemma of gain and loss," Wei Xiaosu expressed her thoughts.

Ye Xuan smiled and said, "Since you've made that decision, I won't say anything more, except to wish you success! But one reminder, be cautious, and avoid seeking success eagerly. Any training requires steady progress, especially for inner fortitude! Otherwise, it might backfire and cause unforeseen consequences."

"Yes, Brother Xuan, don't worry, I've noted your words."

Wei Xiaosu smiled, gazed deeply at Ye Xuan, and suddenly leaned down, resting her head on Ye Xuan's shoulder.

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