After lunch, the disciples cast envious glances at Su Ru and Ji Changfeng.
Su Ru ignored the antics of her lively disciples, turning her gentle gaze to Ji Changfeng. "Changfeng, go get ready. Ling'er and I will wait for you here in half an hour."
Ji Changfeng blinked, momentarily puzzled. Get ready? For what? A bath and a change of clothes?
Well… alright.
"Yes, shi niang," he replied, bowing slightly before leaving Serenity Hall.
The scene left the other disciples green with envy.
You say you're going to Small Bamboo Peak for some noble purpose? Pfft!
Just then, Song Daren's face betrayed a hint of hesitation. Swallowing his embarrassment, he stood and bowed to Tian Buyi and Su Ru. "Master, shi niang, I'd like to have a word with Seventh Junior Brother…"
Tian Buyi sipped his tea calmly, offering no response.
Su Ru smiled softly. "Go ahead."
At her approval, Song Daren bolted out of Serenity Hall.
What could he possibly have to say to Ji Changfeng? Nothing more than asking him to deliver a message—or perhaps a flower—to a certain "Senior Sister" at Small Bamboo Peak.
Song Daren had once considered entrusting this task to Tian Ling'er, but she was too young and mischievous. If she let slip something inappropriate, it could ruin everything.
Ji Changfeng, however, was different.
Though close in age to Tian Ling'er, he was reliable and discreet. Song Daren saw no flaws in him—no penchant for gossip or troublemaking.
"Tch!"
"Senior Brother, are you abandoning us?"
"Come back, Senior Brother! How will we survive without you?"
"Seriously, what's so great about Small Bamboo Peak? Don't do this, Senior Brother!"
The disciples in Serenity Hall wailed dramatically.
They knew exactly why Song Daren was chasing after Ji Changfeng: to pass a message to Wen Min, Small Bamboo Peak's Senior Sister, and rekindle some old feelings.
At the last Seven Peaks Tournament, the two had shared quite a few longing glances.
Tian Ling'er, oblivious to Song Daren's romantic history, pestered her senior brothers with questions. But before they could spill, Su Ru cut in sharply, "Ling'er, come here!"
Tian Ling'er was still young, and some matters weren't suitable for her to know—especially as a girl.
"Oh…" Tian Ling'er pouted, reluctantly returning to Su Ru's side, her curious eyes still darting toward her senior brothers.
But with Su Ru's authority looming, none dared speak further.
Zhang Xiaofan sat alone in a corner, his gaze tinged with envy as he watched the lively banter. Whenever he tried to join in, he found himself at a loss for words.
Du Bishui noticed Zhang Xiaofan's isolation and gave him a warm smile, pulling him into the conversation. "Xiaofan, want to know why Senior Brother went after Seventh Junior Brother?"
"Why?" Zhang Xiaofan's eyes lit up with curiosity.
"Heh heh," Du Bishui chuckled. "I'll tell you—if you help me cook dinner tonight."
_
Meanwhile, Song Daren caught up with Ji Changfeng.
His tone was awkward as he spoke. "S-Seventh Junior Brother, could I trouble you with something?"
"Of course, Senior Brother. What is it?" Ji Changfeng smiled, already guessing the request from Song Daren's flushed face.
"Let's walk and talk," Song Daren said, glancing around to ensure no one was nearby before pulling Ji Changfeng aside. "Ahem, it's like this. At the last Seven Peaks Tournament, I… met Small Bamboo Peak's Wen Min. It's been nearly sixty years since we last saw each other. I was hoping you could pass along a message for me."
He paused, his rugged face turning shy. "Just ask Wen Min if she's been well."
A grown man like Song Daren, blushing over such a simple request, seemed almost comical. If not for the sudden opportunity, he might have written a letter instead.
Ji Changfeng's lips curved into a gentle smile. "No problem, Senior Brother Daren. Leave it to me."
"Great! Thank you, Seventh Junior Brother!" Song Daren's face lit up with relief.
As expected, Ji Changfeng was the right choice. He didn't tease or mock, unlike the other brothers, who would've had a field day with this.
Ji Changfeng never gossiped about others—a trait everyone noticed. Despite being a monstrous genius, he carried no arrogance and blended easily with the group.
"Well, Seventh Junior Brother, I won't keep you. Take your time getting ready," Song Daren said with a hearty grin.
"Alright." Ji Changfeng nodded.
"Getting ready" was a bit of a stretch. A quick bath would suffice.
The real delay was Su Ru preparing herself. Why else would they need half an hour?
Ji Changfeng could scrub himself raw and still not need that long.
So, it was Su Ru who needed the time.
He took ten minutes to bathe, then sat cross-legged on his bed, slipping into cultivation.
Timing it carefully, he rose when the half-hour was nearly up and headed back to Serenity Hall.
There, Su Ru stood holding Tian Ling'er's hand, smiling warmly at him. "Changfeng, you're here?"
Dressed in an elegant dark green robe, Su Ru's refined features exuded grace. Her long hair was neatly pinned, a sign she'd taken extra care with her appearance.
"Shi niang," Ji Changfeng greeted, bowing slightly.
He wore a simple white robe, carrying nothing else.
Su Ru nodded, her eyes sweeping over him with clear approval.
Whoosh!
She summoned her magical treasure, beckoning Ji Changfeng and Tian Ling'er forward.
"Pfft!" Tian Ling'er stuck out her tongue at Ji Changfeng, then skipped to the front of the treasure, relishing the breeze.
Ji Changfeng didn't mind the childish antics. He calmly stepped behind Su Ru, his curious gaze taking in the surroundings.
Object manipulation flight, huh.
He could do it himself now, but he lacked a suitable magical treasure.
Maybe I should take a trip down the mountain sometime, find some spiritual materials, and forge one.
____
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