As the ink dried on the letter to Yu Ce, Fang Wenxun felt a sense of relief. Just then, he crossed paths with Shen Tanqi, who was on his way to arrange the venue.
“Junior brother, do you know what day it is tomorrow?” Fang asked with a lightness in his step.
Shen Tanqi, looking puzzled, glanced at him and inquired, “What day is it?”
He couldn’t recall any upcoming holidays. Was it another one of those invented festivals by Rongyun Sect, like the playful lotus festival they had before?
Fang Wenxun gave him a sly look, leaning in mysteriously, and whispered, “Tomorrow is Junior Brother Xiao’s birthday.” After saying this, he shot a subtle glance in the direction of Xiao Qingyu.
Upon hearing this, Shen Tanqi turned his gaze towards Xiao Qingyu. The young man was busily organizing the list of disciples participating in the upcoming competition. The room was filled with the warmth of the heating, causing him to break a light sweat on his forehead, with a hint of blush on his face.
“Junior brother, isn’t he charming?”
“Yeah, very charming.”
Just feels a bit less impressive than Bai Long. Xiao Qingyu appears delicate, despite being clearly of age; he still carries the aura of a half-grown child.
However, Shen Tanqi remained puzzled. Why would Fang Wenxun inform him about Xiao Qingyu’s birthday?
Noticing Shen Tanqi’s confusion, Fang Wenxun quickly explained, “This is a golden opportunity for you to strengthen your bond with Junior Brother Xiao, junior brother. You must seize it.”
Shen Tanqi, still confused, stared blankly. What bond was he supposed to deepen with Xiao Qingyu?
After a moment, his trouser leg was tugged again. He glanced down to see the system standing on Little Black’s head, giving him a suggestive look and discreetly transmitting a message.
“Plot point, plot point! Xiao Qingyu has the list of participants for this competition. As the antagonist, you can use this chance to get close to him and convince him to arrange a formidable opponent for the male lead.”
Shen Tanqi immediately understood. So, he promptly spoke up, “Indeed, we should properly celebrate Junior Brother Xiao’s birthday. He came alone to the mountain to seek guidance, and we, his senior brothers, are like his family.”
Seeing that Shen Tanqi finally understood, Fang Wenxun nodded in satisfaction and suggested, “Since we’ll be decorating the venue, why not put up many red lanterns? Junior Brother Xiao seems to enjoy them. During last year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, he bought lots of rabbit-shaped lanterns. Let’s spruce up the place nicely.”
Rongyun Sect had designated a peak solely for Shen Tanqi’s residence, named Yaoting Waterside Pavilion. The place had pristine mountains and clear waters, offering a serene and secluded atmosphere. Adorned with rows of red lanterns, it would undoubtedly become a picturesque spectacle.
To add a touch of elegance, Fang Wenxun carefully selected some exquisite and charming jewelry to gift to Xiao Qingyu. Who knows, this might just be the beginning of something between them.
Fang Wenxun even felt he could take up matchmaking as a side job. Moreover, now that Shen Tanqi had visibly improved, and Xiao Qingyu was entrusted to him, Fang Wenxun felt at ease.
Upon hearing Fang Wenxun’s plan, Shen Tanqi looked at him meaningfully and asked, “Are you suggesting I cover my entire mountain with red lanterns?”
Fang Wenxun, enthusiastic, almost forgot he was talking to Shen Tanqi, the young master of the Shen family. He couldn’t help but put an arm around his shoulder, saying, “Of course! Imagine the scene – windows adorned with red lanterns, auspicious snowflakes drifting, picturesque landscapes, and the two of you playing the flute, exchanging heartfelt sentiments.”
Pausing for effect, he whispered mysteriously, “I’ll even go down the mountain to fetch you two pots of good wine. With a hint of intoxication, Junior Brother Xiao will undoubtedly feel that this is the most unforgettable birthday of his life.”
These words indeed sparked some interest in Shen Tanqi.
It had been a long time since Shen Tanqi had tasted alcohol. It seemed that ever since he entered this book world, he hadn’t touched a drop. Initially, it was due to the strict three-thousand-rule sect regulations of the Rongyun Sect that prohibited alcohol. Later, it was because he was carrying a little one in his belly during pregnancy, and alcohol was off-limits.
Just the thought of the envisioned scene made Shen Tanqi feel it was a beautiful thing. These days, he had been tirelessly navigating the plot, and it was high time for a break.
With this in mind, he pulled Fang Wenxun into a celebratory embrace, saying excitedly, “Alright, senior brother, when it’s time to celebrate for Junior Brother, you must come too! The three of us drinking and having fun, won’t that be delightful?”
Fang Wenxun was momentarily stunned and quickly responded, “I won’t go. Why would I go and spoil your celebration?”
Thinking Shen Tanqi was simply shy about being alone with Xiao Qingyu, Fang Wenxun casually fabricated an excuse, “Tomorrow, there’s a lot of sect business to attend to. I won’t be able to celebrate Junior Brother’s birthday. I’ll trouble you to convey my wishes on my behalf.”
Indeed, Rongyun Sect was currently occupied with preparations for the sect’s grand competition. Shen Tanqi didn’t think much of it and agreed, “Sure, I’ll get ready now.”
As Shen Tanqi walked away, Fang Wenxun clenched his fist.
Junior brother, you must successfully win over Junior Brother Xiao. This is the only thing your senior brother can do to help you!
The next morning.
Fang Wenxun took a few junior disciples from the outer sect to clear the accumulated snow at the mountain gate.
It hadn’t snowed much these days, but it was still winter. The thick snow was hard to melt, and leaving it uncleared would cause people to slip and fall. If any senior masters were to slip and fall, it would definitely invite reprimand.
Sometimes, Fang Wenxun regretted joining the sect so early. What good was it to be an acclaimed but practically ineffective senior disciple?
Second Junior Brother, Shen Tanqi, hailed from a prominent family; he couldn’t offend him. Third Junior Brother, Yu Ce, though of daemon lineage, possessed remarkable talent. Rumor had it that the sect leader intended to pass on the position of the next sect master to him. Among their group of inner sect direct disciples, there was only Xiao Qingyu, a kind and intelligent junior disciple without parents to rely on. He couldn’t bully or boss around someone like that.
In the end, everything fell on his shoulders as the senior disciple. He had to personally arrange everything, unable to delegate tasks. He was practically becoming a mother hen at the foot of the mountain!
Fortunately, there were a few obedient and sensible junior disciples from the outer sect. Fang Wenxun instructed the youngsters in snow-clearing: “Keji, Shendu, you two take turns today, each clearing two hundred steps. Don’t worry about the snow that can’t be shoveled; I’ll cast a melting fire spell later.”
Spiritual energy shouldn’t be used recklessly; otherwise, it would cause losses to oneself. He wasn’t like Shen Tanqi and Yu Ce, who had a constant supply of spiritual power. He had to be frugal, using manpower whenever possible.
The junior disciples responded one after another, grabbing brooms and hoes as they descended the green steps.
Keji lowered his head, carefully counting the steps.
“One hundred and seven.”
“One hundred and eight.”
“One hundred and nine…”
Before reaching two hundred, three pairs of green boots suddenly appeared before his eyes, slightly dampened by the snow — one large pair and two smaller ones.
Raising his head abruptly, he saw figures adorned in white garments that glimmered under the daylight, resembling the snow.
The person seemed around twenty years old, with striking features resembling bamboo, unlike anything Keji had ever seen in the vast Rongyun Sect or even the entire cultivation realm. The visitor possessed an extraordinary countenance, eyes like distant mountain ink, carrying an exceedingly aloof and detached aura. As the figure gazed towards the mountain gate, it seemed lost in deep reminiscence.
Keji was momentarily mesmerized, forgetting where he had left off counting. His hoe slipped from his hand to the ground.
“Uncle, your hoe dropped.”
A childlike voice, soft and tender, reached him from the front. Keji instinctively looked down to see a doll-like child with a sweet face, crowned with two delicate white dragon horns.
The child’s cheeks blushed red, clad in a crimson jacket with a furry collar, diligently bending to pick up the hoe from the ground.
Struggling to lift the tool, the child was about to reach it when Keji hurriedly extended his hand, saying, “Let me do it, thank you.”
As Keji took the hoe, the adorable child smiled, crescent-shaped eyes shining with joy. “No need to thank me, Dad taught me, ‘be happy to help.'”
The child spoke slowly and leisurely, sounding like he had just recently learned to speak. Occasionally blurting out unclear or fuzzy words, incredibly endearing. Keji even felt an urge to cup the child’s face in his hands to see if it was as soft as he imagined.
“Big brother, move aside, I can’t see the path ahead.” Another soft voice came from behind the adorable child, carrying a slightly feigned mature tone, squeezing in next to the beautiful child.
Keji was momentarily stunned; the younger sibling looked exactly like the adorable child from earlier. They were twins, but the younger one seemed colder and more aloof between the brows. Clad in what seemed like a cold, all-black silk garment, he exuded an inappropriate calmness and maturity for his tender age.
He quickly extended his hands, supporting each little figure, one in each hand. “Be careful not to fall.”
This is the ‘Nine Thousand Steps of Sincerity.’ If one slips and tumbles down to the foot of the mountain, even eight lives won’t be enough to sustain.
The black-clad little figure glanced at him, effortlessly evading his hand and remarked, “Thanks, but I’m already halfway to Nascent Soul stage. You should worry about yourself.”
Keji, a struggling junior disciple of the outer sect for six years: …?
What’s going on?
Hearing the commotion from their side, Fang Wenxun looked over from a distance and instantly recognized the most conspicuous person among the crowd.
His eyes widened in shock, forgetting about the snow, he dashed over, occasionally slipping: “Junior Brother! Junior Brother Yu!”
In an instant, everyone turned their heads towards them, murmuring in disbelief.
In the sect, the only one referred to as Junior Brother Yu by Fang Wenxun was that person—
The unparalleled, top-tier genius disciple,
Yu Ce!
However, that rumored prodigy, Yu Ce, why did he return with two three-year-old twin children?
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
