Chapter 3 As Usual

At this moment, behind the tender-hearted Wenmin Senior Sister stood a woman dressed in white as snow. Apart from Lü Xueqi, who else could it be? Her tangled emotions had calmed down, restoring her usual awe-inspiring demeanor as the chief of Little Bamboo Peak. Except when she was with Senior Sister Wenmin, she showed slightly less of her girlish character. It was difficult for ordinary disciples to fathom the depth of her personality. Even a simple smile was as rare as a blue moon!

Graceful and elegant, Lü Xueqi followed closely behind Wenmin, filling the entire dining hall with the aroma of food. Several delicious dishes were already laid out on the table, all typical dishes, but today they were prepared by a different chef, not Senior Sister Wenmin, who was adept both in the hall and in the kitchen.

Wenmin sneakily glanced at Lü Xueqi, who had just sat down. She saw Lü Xueqi's tender cherry lips curl into a crescent moon shape, revealing two shallow dimples embedded in her delicate melon seed face, adorned with a faint smile. Her cold and agile eyes were captivating; her long eyelashes blinked like stars in the sky; and her arched eyebrows were more beautiful than thousands of flowers. Countless strands of black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, with a white butterfly bow tied in the middle, adding an adorable touch to her nobility. The remaining strands hung down to her waist, making her look like a celestial being, too beautiful to approach. With a slender waist and a charming appearance, she was truly captivating. Even someone as outstanding as himself couldn't compare to her.

Lü Xueqi noticed Wenmin's curious gaze and questioned, "Senior Sister, is there something on my face that fascinates you so?"

Wenmin couldn't help but smile and tease, "Just admiring the sight of a young lady about to be married."

Hearing this, Lü Xueqi's eyebrows furrowed, her almond eyes widened, and her cheeks blushed slightly. She retorted shyly and angrily, "Humph, Senior Sister has become so improper after getting married."

Lü Xueqi didn't bother to pay any more attention to Wenmin.

Wenmin smiled and felt pleased. She had noticed that her junior sister had become much more cheerful lately. Since Master Shuiyue left, she has, as usual, become even more silent and cold, not understanding anything amusing. The only thing that could comfort her fragile heart was Zhang Xiaofan from Grass Temple Village.

Seeing Lü Xueqi's sudden sulking, Wenmin quickly walked up to her and pulled her delicate arm, saying softly, "Alright, Sister, I was just teasing you. After all, do I not understand what's on your mind?"

Lü Xueqi rolled her eyes at Wenmin, silent and unresponsive. She knew very well that there was still some estrangement in Zhang Xiaofan's heart! That was the relationship between him and her. Although many years had passed, he still harbored a deep memory of her.

Just as Wenmin was at a loss for what to do, Tian Ling'er entered with Qi Hao and Qi Xiaoxuan. Fortunately, Wenmin had already told Tian Ling'er in advance about Zhang Xiaofan's return date, so she had asked her to come early for a reunion.

Wearing a pink dress, six-year-old Qi Xiaoxuan respectfully said in her childish voice, "Qi Xiaoxuan greets two senior brothers." Her tender voice echoed in the dining hall, which was very adorable.

Wenmin and Lü Xueqi, however, were as excited as if they had seen a precious herb that only appeared once in a thousand years. They quickly stood up and squatted down together, playing with the cute and petite Qi Xiaoxuan, pinching her chubby cheeks with their plain hands, squeezing them into various shapes, and occasionally tickling her, causing the soft and tender Qi Xiaoxuan to laugh heartily.

As a mother, Tian Ling'er was used to seeing Qi Xiaoxuan being teased. She smiled happily, recalling the happy times when she was often held in the palms of her parents' hands, but they were no longer there.

Qi Hao observed Tian Ling'er's changing expression attentively, as if he had a telepathic connection with her, and hugged Tian Ling'er's slender waist affectionately. Her fiery red dress outlined her alluring curves. Although she was a mother, her figure remained attractive.

Qi Hao leaned close to Tian Ling'er's side and whispered softly in her ear, "You still have me and Xiaoxuan to accompany you."

Tian Ling'er, feeling touched, leaned against Qi Hao's side like a little bird, gazing affectionately at Qi Hao, who cared for her so much, and replied warmly, "Yes, Hao ge."

Lü Xueqi looked at Qi Hao and Tian Ling'er, who were as close as glue, and a surge of thoughts rushed into her mind. When would she be able to have everything she wanted?

Lost in thought, Lü Xueqi came back to herself. He was still here, so why bother worrying? Only ordinary people disturb themselves.

Not long after, Song Yan, Zhao Mutou, and Lin Xuan appeared before everyone, excited about completing their task of cutting the black bamboo today.

Song Yan immediately leaned against Wenmin's body and described what had happened today. He talked about how the three-eyed spirit monkey had played tricks on them and how "Mother" had shared the wild fruits with them, as well as insights into their cultivation.

Wenmin stroked Song Yan's head, feeling deeply gratified.

Song Yan, Zhao Mutou, and Lin Xuan also noticed the little and adorable Qi Xiaoxuan laughing heartily. They joined in the fun, teasing Qi Xiaoxuan, which made Tian Ling'er feel very distressed.

In the end, Song Daren and Xiao Yicai finished discussing matters regarding the West Road and the mysterious formation at Fox Ridge Mountain before returning on their swords.

As the sky dimmed, stars filled the heavens, and a bright moon hung in the sky, casting a subtle silver light onto the vast sea of bamboo below. The bamboo swayed with the wind, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland that was exceptionally beautiful.

Song Daren quickly tidied up his clothes, fearing he might appear too casual upon his return. After all, he was now the chief of Great Bamboo Peak. Things were different now, and he couldn't afford to be too relaxed.

Upon arriving at the dining hall, Song Daren was greeted by a lively and noisy atmosphere. Song Daren couldn't help but feel deeply moved. He hadn't expected that even after many years, even without Master and Madam present and with the junior brothers and sisters away, Great Bamboo Peak could still gather together like this. Considering the scarcity of talent at Great Bamboo Peak, it was fortunate indeed.

Wenmin saw Song Daren return and quickly pulled out the main chair at the dining table, gesturing for Song Daren to sit down.

Seeing Song Daren sit down, Song Yan, Zhao Mutou, and Lin Xuan immediately quieted down. After all, he was their strict father and master. Only Qi Xiaoxuan dared to continue chattering, holding her chopsticks, and eating delicious dishes.

Song Daren quickly greeted Lü Xueqi, Qi Hao, and Tian Ling'er with a respectful bow. The others reciprocated, saying politely, "Sorry for the lack of courtesy."

Zhang Xiaofan had already fed the two door gods, Xiao Hui and Da Huang, and picked up the last dish—the braised lion's head. He stood up.

Dressed in black, with his hair tied up and a few strands falling at the corners of his eyes, his entire face was not visible. Yet his features seemed deep-set, with sharp eyebrows and eyes and well-defined muscular lines, and his bronze skin looked robust. Having traveled the rivers and lakes for many years, Zhang Xiaofan was no longer the naive and ignorant teenager of his youth. The vicissitudes of life had left their mark on his face, adding a hint of sadness and concern. As he appeared before everyone, including Song Daren, Wenmin, Qi Hao, and Tian Ling'er, although many years had passed, Zhang Xiaofan's appearance was still fresh in their memories. However, now he practiced three kinds of skills: Taoism, demonic arts, and Buddhist techniques. He could even wield the Exquisite Sword of Water and Moon Cave. It was hard to imagine how he had managed to come this far.

Zhang Xiaofan replied to each senior brother and sister's greetings with care and concern, just as he had finished putting down the braised lion's head.

Song Yan, Zhao Mutou, and Lin Xuan were ecstatic to see that their seventh senior uncle was so approachable. They stood up respectfully, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Seventh Senior Uncle."

Zhang Xiaofan had learned about these junior nephews through Wenmin. Song Yan was the daughter of the eldest senior brother and the Wenmin senior sister. Zhao Mutou and Lin Xuan were disciples taken in by the eldest senior brother, Song Daren, when he was traveling outside. It was said that they were rescued in a remote mountain village during a chaotic demon-beast attack that left the whole village almost slaughtered. Only the two survived, and when Song Daren saw their pitiful state, he took them to Qingyun Gate and accepted them as disciples. Although their aptitude was somewhat ordinary, they made up for it with diligence and hard work, which was comforting to see.