Zhao Ningxuan and Zhao Ningxiang

Zhao Yuhui looked at Wang Changsheng and said kindly, "It has been several years since we last met. Changsheng has grown taller again, but why are you only at the Fifth Level of Qi Refining? Ningxiang is already at the Qi Refining Sixth Layer."

Wang Changsheng bowed to Zhao Yuhui and respectfully said, "This grandson greets Aunt Grandmother. These past few years, this grandson served as a Celestial Master in the Mortal World, so my cultivation progressed somewhat slowly."

"Cousin Changsheng, by the next time we meet, I should have advanced to the Qi Refining Seventh Layer."

Zhao Ningxiang giggled, a flash of pride passing through her beautiful eyes.

She was sixteen this year and had already cultivated to the Qi Refining Sixth Layer, making her the foremost member of the Zhao Family's Ning generation.

"You little girl, if you had not eaten meals made from First-Order Mid-Grade Spirit Grain every day, could you have cultivated to the Qi Refining Sixth Layer so quickly? Cultivation is like rowing a boat against the current—you must never grow arrogant or complacent. It will not be too late to be proud once you enter the Foundation Establishment Realm."

Zhao Yuhui scolded her with a stern expression and harsh tone, but everyone could hear the indulgence in her words.

Zhao Ningxiang stuck out her tongue and nodded. "This granddaughter will remember Grandmother's teachings. Ningxiang greets Elder Uncle, Uncle, and Aunt."

"Ningxuan greets Elder Uncle, Uncle, and Aunt."

The scholarly young man hurried forward, bowed, and spoke respectfully.

"Come to think of it, I have not seen Ningxuan and Ningxiang in a long time either. I never expected them to have grown so much. These two Spirit Tools are a small token from your uncle and aunt. Do Not Disdain them."

Wang Mingyuan said with a smile, taking out a small yellow saber and an Azure Short Sword. Spiritual light flowed endlessly across the surfaces of both Spirit Tools.

"This..."

Zhao Ningxiang did not immediately accept the Spirit Tools, instead looking toward Zhao Yuhui.

"Since they are gifts from your uncle, accept them!"

After receiving Zhao Yuhui's permission, Zhao Ningxuan and Zhao Ningxiang thanked him and accepted the Spirit Tools.

"Changsheng, come here to Aunt Grandmother. You have not come to see Aunt Grandmother for three years. Come and let Aunt Grandmother take a good look at you."

Zhao Yuhui beckoned Wang Changsheng over.

"Although this grandson was unable to come wish Aunt Grandmother a happy birthday, Aunt Grandmother has always been in this grandson's thoughts. Seeing that Aunt Grandmother still looks so well, this grandson is relieved."

Wang Changsheng walked over and spoke sincerely.

He spoke from the heart. Zhao Yuhui treated him exceptionally well, even better than his own grandmother had.

Zhao Yuhui took Wang Changsheng's right hand and nodded. "Good child. Aunt Grandmother's affection for you was not in vain. There were so many people your father could have sent to the Mortal World, yet he insisted on sending you. Otherwise, you would not still be at the Fifth Level of Qi Refining."

Wang Mingyuan gave a bitter smile and said, "Aunt, your nephew had no choice."

She waved her hand. "Enough. This is your Wang Family's private affair, and I cannot meddle in it. I have already had Ziheng prepare wine and dishes. Let us eat and talk!"

"Changsheng, tell Aunt Grandmother about your experiences these past few years. Let Aunt Grandmother hear them."

Zhao Yuhui took Wang Changsheng by the hand and led him outside, with Wang Yaozu and the others following behind.

Wang Changsheng recounted his experiences over the past three years. Naturally, he did not mention the Profound Gold Mine at all, replacing it with a Spirit Vein.

On their way to Butterfly Valley, Wang Mingyuan had repeatedly instructed Wang Changsheng to call the Profound Gold Mine a Spirit Vein.

When she heard that Wang Changsheng had discovered a Spirit Vein, a trace of surprise flashed through Zhao Yuhui's clouded eyes. She did not ask what the Spirit Vein was used for.

Wang Mingyuan and Zhao Ziheng walked shoulder to shoulder, quietly reminiscing about old times.

Before long, the group entered a spacious, brightly lit hall. A round wooden table stood inside, laden with more than ten dishes. Their fragrance wafted through the air, making mouths water at the mere smell.

Zhao Yuhui sat down first and had Wang Changsheng sit beside her. The others then took their seats.

"Changsheng, Aunt Grandmother knew you were coming and specifically had someone prepare your favorite sweet-and-sour White Scale Fish. Eat more. Look how thin you are."

Zhao Yuhui pointed at one of the dishes, signaling Wang Changsheng to start eating.

"Cousin Changsheng, you are the only one who gets such treatment. Although White Scale Fish are First Grade Lower Rank Spirit Fish, they must be raised for over two years before they can be eaten. The White Scale Fish in the Spirit Fish Garden are all raised for sale. I wanted some just a few days ago, but Grandmother would not allow it!"

Zhao Ningxiang said sourly, deeply envious of Wang Changsheng's special treatment.

"What nonsense are you talking about, girl? Mother has never shown you any lack of affection. Your cousin has finally come for a visit—what is wrong with him eating one White Scale Fish? When you visited your uncle's home and he served you Snowcloud Chicken, why did you not say any of this then?"

Zhao Ziheng glared and scolded her without any politeness.

At once, Zhao Ningxiang pouted, lowered her head, and looked utterly wronged.

"Cousin, Ningxiang did not mean anything by it. Please do not blame her."

Wang Mingyuan tried to smooth things over.

Wang Yaozu nodded. "Exactly. Ziheng, it is rare for the whole family to eat together. Why get angry with a child? Start eating! Ningxiang, Elder Uncle brought two newly hatched Snowcloud Chickens this time. I will give them to you after the meal."

At those words, Zhao Ningxiang's face blossomed with joy.

Wang Changsheng listened to the elders chat while he ate. Unless Zhao Yuhui asked him a question, he did not speak.

Zhao Ningxiang was rather lively and chimed in from time to time, making everyone laugh heartily. The atmosphere was exceedingly harmonious.

"Ah, it is a pity Yuzhi passed away so early. It would have been wonderful if she were still here."

Zhao Yuhui suddenly recalled something, set down her chopsticks, and sighed.

Zhao Yuzhi was Wang Changsheng's grandmother and had been extremely close to Zhao Yuhui.

At those words, everyone's smiles vanished.

"Mingyuan, do not blame Aunt for being long-winded. It is right for you, as the head of the household, to set an example, but you cannot let your own son suffer either. And Qing'er, Mingyuan has only you as his principal wife. You must strive to spread the branches and scatter the leaves for the Wang Family. Before Yuzhi passed away, she always hoped you would have more children and grandchildren filling the hall."

Zhao Yuhui spoke earnestly and sincerely.

Wang Mingyuan nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Aunt. Your nephew knows what to do."

"This daughter-in-law will heed Aunt's teachings."

Zhao Yuhui nodded in satisfaction, then said to Wang Yaozu, "Yaozu, you are getting on in years. You should enjoy some peace and comfort when you can. Clan affairs are important, but your health is even more important. When Yuzhi was still alive, she often complained to me that you were busy handling clan affairs all day and even forgot to eat. Now that you are older, you should let go when it is time to let go. Do not exhaust yourself."

Hearing this, warmth filled Wang Yaozu's heart. He nodded and said, "Elder Sister is right. I will take care of myself. You should not overwork yourself either."

Zhao Yuhui shook her head. "I cannot tire myself out. I have handed all clan affairs over to Ziheng, and he has done quite well, handling matters great and small in perfect order."

Wang Yaozu's expression shifted as he asked Wang Changsheng, "Changsheng, are you full?"

"I am full."

"Then go play with your cousins. On the way here, did you not say that you had not played with them in a long time?"

"Ningxuan, Ningxiang, take Changsheng to the Spirit Fish Garden to fish! Let Changsheng catch a few White Scale Fish to bring back."

"Yes, Grandmother, Father, Elder Uncle, Uncle, Aunt. We are full. Please take your time eating."

Zhao Ningxuan and Zhao Ningxiang readily agreed and left with Wang Changsheng.