All Present Were Old Friends

How could youth remain youth forever? How could a young man remain young forever?

The sloppy man, Yao Xianzhi. The saber-wearing woman, Yao Lingzhi.

When they had first met, one had still been a bright-smiling, vigorous youth, the other a valiant young girl bristling with sharp edges.

Yao Xianzhi seemed somewhat shy. His lips moved, but he could not find suitable words. He did not wish to offer empty pleasantries, while there were far too many heartfelt words he wanted to say, and he did not know where to begin. In the end, he simply fell silent.

Yao Lingzhi, the daughter of Jiu Niang from the Fox Town inn, was still rather forthright. It seemed that all those years of tempering had failed to grind away the edges of her character. She looked openly at the man, nodded, and smiled. "Young Master Chen, it truly has been a long time."

Chen Ping'an asked, "Could you take me to see Old General Yao?"

Yao Xianzhi nodded.

Yao Lingzhi sensed the unusual stir around the Yao residence. Chen Ping'an's arrival seemed to have caused quite a commotion. That was only natural. The Yao residence was no longer the Minister's Mansion it had once been. Emperor His Majesty was not currently in Mirage City, and someone had trespassed here—

Chen Ping'an said apologetically, "I came in rather urgently. I'll likely have to trouble you to explain matters. Just say that someone is visiting the Yao residence, and tell Mirage City not to be alarmed. As for who I am, there is no need to mention it."

Without the slightest hesitation, Yao Lingzhi went to handle the matter personally, leaving her younger brother Yao Xianzhi to lead Chen Ping'an to visit their grandfather.

Yao Xianzhi walked with a limp, one sleeve hanging empty at