Chapter 318: Xu Caichen – I'm a Father Now!
Wu Kingdom, Lin'an City.
The streets were packed with people, the flow endless, giving an impression of bustling prosperity.
Yet on closer inspection, most passersby had sallow faces and thin bodies, their clothes ragged, their expressions weary.
From every street and alley, Chu Feng could catch the scent of incense, and from time to time, the sound of scripture chanting drifted through the air.
The Great Sage Golden Wings glanced at the pedestrians and muttered, "That wicked flood dragon truly committed countless evils. It has drained more than half the vital essence from the people of Lin'an. Had we come any later, this city might have become a living hell."
Chu Feng said calmly, "What I'm curious about is why that demon would choose to cause trouble in a mortal nation like Wu Kingdom."
The Great Sage Golden Wings smiled. "Most likely to steal the nation's fortune and use it to break through to the Path Union Realm. Wu Kingdom's declining fortune is weaker, making it easier to take."
Hearing this, Ming Shangshu trembled and respectfully asked, "Immortal Master, what should Wu Kingdom do to prolong our fortune and avoid such calamity?"
The Great Sage Golden Wings shook his head. "That's not my specialty—you can ask my Brother Feng."
Ming Shangshu immediately saluted Chu Feng. "May I ask for the Immortal Master's guidance."
Without hesitation, Chu Feng replied, "Find a Child of Fortune to safeguard Wu Kingdom's destiny."
"And where should we find such a person?"
Ming Shangshu asked again.
Chu Feng smiled. "That's for Wu Kingdom to determine. I do not interfere in mortal affairs."
Only now did Ming Shangshu realize he had overstepped. Bowing, he said, "I was rude. I hope the Immortal Master will forgive me."
"It's fine."
Chu Feng shifted the topic. "All gatherings must end—let's part ways here."
"Farewell, Immortal Master."
Ming Shangshu, understanding the unspoken meaning, knew exactly what to do.
Yan Chixia then also took his leave. "Ning Fool, I'm going to visit Brother Xu's residence. I'll part with you here."
"Farewell."
Ning Qi'an gave a slight bow, watching Chu Feng's group depart.
Sigh…
Once Chu Feng's group disappeared from sight, Ming Shangshu let out a long sigh.
At his side, Ming Yuexi asked, "Father, are you still worrying about state affairs?"
Ming Shangshu said, "I had hoped to seek the help of these Immortal Masters to aid Wu Kingdom, but as the rumors say, they truly do not concern themselves with mortal matters."
At this moment, Ning Qi'an spoke. "Lord Ming, although these Immortal Masters do not involve themselves directly, their kin still reside in Lin'an. If we can find their relatives, there may yet be a chance to turn this around."
Ming Shangshu's eyes lit up. "You're right. Let's first report the matter of that Fazhang to His Majesty, then send people to investigate the Immortal Masters' families. Wu Kingdom may yet avert disaster."
…
Half an hour later.
Xu Caichen's group arrived at an old courtyard. The weathered plaque at the entrance still bore the characters "Xu Residence."
No one spoke, all eyes turning toward Xu Caichen.
He dismounted, walked forward, and knocked lightly on the door.
After a moment, half the door creaked open.
An old servant poked his head out, instinctively asking,
"Who is it?"
Upon seeing him, Xu Caichen smiled. "Uncle Fu, it's me, Caichen."
Hearing this, Uncle Fu studied Xu Caichen closely. Then his face lit up with astonishment, and he spoke with excitement. "Young Master, you've finally returned! The Young Lady has been trying every way to send you a message these past days."
"Oh?"
Xu Caichen paused, asking, "Has something happened at home?"
Uncle Fu said, "Young Master, this is not the place to talk. Please come in first, and I'll inform the Young Lady."
"Alright."
Xu Caichen nodded, then turned to the others. "Master, fellow sect brothers and sisters, please come in."
Chu Feng gave a slight nod, dismounted with the others, and followed Xu Caichen into the Xu Residence.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Chu Feng saw a middle-aged, graceful woman hurrying toward Xu Caichen, accompanied by an elderly servant woman.
"Caichen."
"Elder Sister."
The siblings met, and tears immediately welled in their eyes.
Lady Xu grasped her younger brother's hand, carefully looking him over. Seeing that he was no different from when he had left home, she let out a long breath of relief.
"Caichen, have you been well these years?"
Xu Caichen did not hide anything. "I joined an immortal sect during these years, and all is well."
Hearing this, Lady Xu's eyes lit up, and she murmured, "That's good, that's good. Oh, and who are these people behind you?"
Xu Caichen turned to introduce them one by one. After some polite exchanges, the group entered the main hall of the Xu family.
A young maid served tea to each guest.
After taking a sip, Xu Caichen asked, "Sister, how has the family been these years?"
Lady Xu replied, "Your brother-in-law works as a minor official in the capital. We're not wealthy, but we manage. It's your wife's side that's troublesome."
At those words, her expression dimmed. Back then, her younger brother's marriage to that white snake demon had nearly ruined the Xu family. She had not expected another matter to arise now. If she hadn't been unable to hide it from Caichen, she wouldn't have told him about the snake demon at all.
"What's wrong with my wife?"
The moment Xu Caichen heard that his wife was in trouble, he immediately stood up, the very image of a love-struck man.
"Sigh…"
Lady Xu sighed. "It's a long story. You should see your son first—let Xiao Qing tell you the rest."
"I'm a father now?"
Xu Caichen's face broke into a joyous smile, though he could tell from his sister's tone that his wife's troubles were not small.
In the past, he might have panicked like a headless fly, but now he wasn't worried in the least.
"Quick, take me to see the child."
"Yes, yes."
Lady Xu said "yes" twice in a row, then stood to lead the group toward the rear courtyard.
Cao Youqian clapped Xu Caichen on the shoulder with a grin. "Junior Brother Xu, I didn't expect you to be the first among us to become a father. Congratulations."
Xu Caichen smiled. "I didn't even know my wife was pregnant back then. Otherwise, I would have risked my life rather than let her leave my side."
Chu Feng consoled him. "Good things are worth waiting for. It's not too late to bring her back now."
"Mm."
Xu Caichen nodded. The thought of having a son quickened his steps.
Passing through the front courtyard, they had just entered the rear courtyard when they heard a child's laughter.
Chu Feng looked toward the sound and saw a boy of about ten playing in the yard, with a young girl in green clothing by his side.
The boy was like a smaller version of Xu Caichen—there was no doubt he was his son.
Xu Caichen's eyes softened as he strode forward, scooped up the boy, and said, "My child, my child."
The boy was startled by the sudden action and was about to cry out, but then he saw the face he had longed for day and night. Instinctively, he called out two words—
"Father."
"Eh."
Xu Caichen replied without thinking.
Upon hearing this, the boy burst into tears. "Waaah… Father, Hanlin missed you so much…"
Seeing this heartwarming scene of father and son reunited, Chu Feng and the others quietly withdrew from the courtyard, leaving the space to the two of them.
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