Dazhu Peak.
In the middle of the wide stone square, Tian Ling'er sat on a bench in her red dress. Her chin rested lightly on one hand, while the other hand idly twirled a thin stick, drawing lazy circles in the dust. She looked bored to death.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind her.
"Senior Sister!"
Tian Ling'er instantly perked up. She jumped to her feet and turned around.
Zhang Xiaofan was descending from the sky, flying toward her.
"Xiaofan!" Her eyes lit up with joy. Without hesitation, she used the Amber Red Silk ribbon to glide over to him and threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
Zhang Xiaofan froze for a second, taken aback.
It had been two years since he'd seen her, and she'd changed a lot.
She had grown taller, her features more refined, and her beauty even more striking than before.
"Senior Sister," he said with a faint smile, "you've grown up a lot…"
Tian Ling'er tilted her head. "Grown up? I've been grown up for a while now. I'm already sixteen, you know."
They landed together on the square. Tian Ling'er stepped back, standing close to him, and quickly compared their heights.
"Hmm? You've grown taller too. I haven't seen you in two years, and now you're half a head taller than me!"
"I'm sixteen too. Of course I've grown taller," Zhang Xiaofan said, rubbing her head playfully.
But Tian Ling'er quickly swatted his hand away and pouted. "Hmph! I'm your senior sister. I'm supposed to protect you.
How can I let you mess with my head like that?"
Zhang Xiaofan smirked inwardly but shook off the mischievous thought that crossed his mind.
She was still young, and it wasn't the right time.
Instead, his thoughts drifted to Naiqi from Xiaozhu Peak.
That girl had blossomed early into a graceful beauty, proof that the water over there was truly nourishing… and dangerously so.
"Come on," Tian Ling'er said, taking Zhang Xiaofan's hand naturally. "Let's go to Shoujing Hall. Dad will be so happy to see you back."
Shoujing Hall
Inside, Tian Buyi and his wife Su Ru sat on the main seats at the top of the hall.
Below them, five disciples .. MmSong Daren, Wu Dayi, Zheng Dali, He Dazhi, and Lu Daxin — stood in a neat line, hands behind their backs, listening to Tian Buyi's lecture.
"The Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition is coming soon," Tian Buyi said with a stern face.
"But I've noticed that some of you aren't training seriously. Especially you two .... He Dazhi, Lu Daxin .... you've only reached the third level of Jade Purity after almost a hundred years! Always slacking off!"
The two named disciples quickly lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
"Dad! Look who's back!"
Tian Ling'er's cheerful voice cut through the tension.
Everyone turned toward the entrance. She walked in, holding Zhang Xiaofan's hand.
When Tian Buyi saw Zhang Xiaofan, his stern expression melted into a smile. "Xiaofan! You're finally back. Come, sit!"
Zhang Xiaofan, however, shook his head politely. "My senior brothers are still standing. How could I sit before them?"
Song Daren and the others exchanged warm smiles at his respect.
Tian Buyi snorted. "Since your junior brother has returned, I'll stop lecturing you for now. But make sure you train hard ... I won't be embarrassed at the competition."
"Yes, Master!" The disciples bowed before taking their seats.
Song Daren sat next to Zhang Xiaofan and looked him over carefully. "Two years ago, you were… possessed.
Have you fully recovered?"
The other disciples also looked at him with concern.
Zhang Xiaofan smiled and waved his hand. "I've been fine for a long time. Strong as ever." He stretched his legs for emphasis, which made his brothers chuckle.
They all knew ....if someone had needed the Sect Master's help for recovery, it must have been a serious case. In many such cases, the victim's cultivation would plummet.
Song Daren clapped Zhang Xiaofan's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll look after you.
You were only eleven when you joined the sect, and I've watched you grow up."
Zhang Xiaofan nodded. "Thank you, Big Brother." He didn't explain further ... some things, like the truth about Wan Jianyi, couldn't be revealed yet.
They would see for themselves during the competition that his strength was undiminished.
Tian Ling'er chimed in. "Xiaofan, I said from the very start I'd protect you. That hasn't changed!"
"Thank you, Senior Sister," Zhang Xiaofan said with a small smile.
Tian Buyi watched the warm exchange between his disciples, but in his heart, he thought:
I just hope he won't embarrass himself when the competition comes.
---
"By the way," Zhang Xiaofan said, glancing around, "where's Sixth Brother Du Bishu?"
Song Daren replied, "Two years ago, he thought he was about to break through to the fourth level of Jade Purity, so he went down the mountain to find a magic weapon. He never came back."
Zhang Xiaofan chuckled. "He's a gambler. I just hope he didn't decide to use a pair of dice as his weapon."
"If he dares," Tian Buyi said with mock severity, "I'll break his legs!"
Zhang Xiaofan knew his master's personality well. Tian Buyi acted fierce, but he cared deeply for his disciples.
Even if Du Bishu did something as ridiculous as that, he'd only get a scolding.
"Alright," Tian Buyi said, "Daren, take the others and train. We only have a few days left."
"Yes, Master!" The group bowed and left.
Zhang Xiaofan stayed put ....he knew his master wanted to talk to him privately.
Tian Ling'er stayed too, unwilling to leave her junior brother's side.
A familiar high-pitched chitter broke the moment. "Squeak! Squeak!"
A small grey monkey darted into the hall and leapt onto Zhang Xiaofan's shoulder.
It scratched at his hair and chirped excitedly.
"Xiaohui! Long time no see." Zhang Xiaofan stroked its head fondly.
Tian Buyi shot a glance at Su Ru. She understood instantly and walked over to her daughter. "Ling'er, come take a walk with your mother."
Tian Ling'er looked at her father, then obediently followed her mother out.
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