Guests

Sizzle!

In a clearing within the Secluded Valley, a campfire crackled. A roasted chicken sat on top, its skin golden brown and crispy. Little droplets of oil dripped into the fire, sputtering and releasing the savory aroma of the chicken.

"Cluck cluck!"

Beside the fire, a giant White Sable scratched its ears, appearing impatient.

"Don't rush! It's still a long way off!!"

Fang Yuan carefully turned the branch, occasionally sprinkling on a bit of salt and pepper.

Ever since their last transaction, he and the White Sable had gone from strangers to acquaintances, and now they were quite familiar with each other.

Especially after drinking the Heart-Questioning Tea brewed using the Sitting-Forgetting Tea Ceremony, and then, defying all odds, eating a few raw leaves, the White Sable lost most of its interest in the Heart-Questioning Tea Tree. It only begged Fang Yuan to make it tea every day.

In return, it naturally provided plenty of that Spiritual Fertilizer.

And even more so, it would bring over a few wild chickens and rabbits to curry favor.

Fang Yuan wasn't stingy either. He quickly roasted the meat and gave half to the White Sable.

Poor Sable, who had only ever eaten raw food, had never tasted cooked meat! Combined with the seasonings and Fang Yuan's barbecue skills, learned from his dreams, the White Sable was completely captivated.

Now, every day when Fang Yuan opened his door, he would find small beasts placed before it. He never had to worry about meat.

"Here! It's ready!"

Fang Yuan tore off half the roasted chicken and handed it to the White Sable. The Sable's eyes lit up. Using its claws and mouth, it devoured the chicken in a few swift bites, then licked its whiskers with lingering satisfaction.

"You eat so fast..."

Fang Yuan was speechless. He took a bite of the chicken wing in his hand. "Mmm... it tastes really good!"

This roasted chicken wasn't just fragrant; the meat was incredibly tender and juicy. Moreover, it came from the deep mountains where it had eaten pine nuts and hazelnuts, naturally imbuing the meat with a hint of grassy freshness. Even a half-baked chef like him could make it incredibly delicious.

"Want more?"

He looked at the White Sable gazing longingly beside him, smiled, and tossed it a chicken leg. The White Sable caught it immediately and happily gnawed on it.

"Don't just eat meat; it's not nutritious..."

Fang Yuan then brought out his Jade Crystal Rice and side dishes and ate heartily. The White Sable watched with envy and got another bowl. He didn't know how its stomach, smaller than Fang Yuan's, could hold so much.

After eating their fill, while the White Sable was still eating, Fang Yuan tiptoed forward and gently stroked its back.

The feel was excellent. The soft fur was smoother than the finest silk, making him unconsciously addicted. His heart filled with joy, knowing that this Spiritual Beast had almost accepted him.

"If I could subdue such a mighty and fierce great sable, it would be a guardian beast for the valley! Then, who would dare to covet it!"

Fang Yuan hadn't forgotten that he had an inexplicable enemy in the outside world.

"Nothing beats tea for clearing the palate and washing away the greasiness..."

After finishing the roasted chicken, Fang Yuan said with a smile and went inside to get his teapot.

Seeing this, the White Sable's eyes immediately brightened.

For it, the roasted chicken was merely a minor satisfaction of its appetite, but this Spirit Tea was something that could greatly enhance its comprehension and establish its foundation.

Hiss!

Clear, transparent tea streams poured into the cups, releasing an astonishing fragrance.

As the process concluded, Fang Yuan's eyes were clear, all worldly desires forgotten. Even the White Sable opposite him sat solemnly, as if enlightened.

"Please!"

Fang Yuan poured the tea into cups and handed one to the White Sable.

The man and the beast sat facing each other, slowly savoring the tea, content in their own company.

"Hmm... the Sable's mind is pure. It seems to have gained some understanding of my master's Sitting-Forgetting Tea Ceremony..."

Seeing this scene, Fang Yuan suddenly felt a surge of joy.

This feeling was just like when his master, the Heart-Questioning Hermit, saw him comprehend the Way of Sitting-Forgetting.

"Passing the Torch! This is the true meaning of Civilization Legacy..."

Fang Yuan sighed silently. He then seemed to sense a naive and curious emotion around him. Turning his head, he met the White Sable's dazed, curious eyes.

"I can actually feel the White Sable's thoughts?"

He suddenly realized, but found he could no longer enter that wondrous state from before.

"If I could maintain this state often, perhaps one day, I could communicate with you directly!"

Fang Yuan patted the White Sable's head, sighing.

Alas, he was still far from this realm, which was akin to Supernatural Abilities.

"Let's go! Time to fertilize the tea trees!"

After pondering for a moment, Fang Yuan stood up and clapped his hands. "It's a good thing you brought the Spiritual Fertilizer. Otherwise, with the output of the Heart-Questioning Tea Tree, it really wouldn't be enough for the two of us to consume so much..."

He walked to the tea tree and opened a cloth bag, scattering the Spiritual Fertilizer bit by bit.

The Sable helped loosen the soil with its claws beside him. The man and the beast, surprisingly, worked together in a coordinated and tacit manner.

If outsiders were to see this scene, who knows how many eyes would pop out in shock.

"White Sable, how about I give you a name?"

"Giggle?"

"Mhm, I remember in the dream world, there was also a legendary sable that was very powerful, a Divine Beast from Enfeoffment of Gods. It was said to resemble a white rat, wielding Supernatural Abilities, its body like a white elephant, with wings on its sides, baring its fangs and claws, its Wind and Fire merciless, devouring all people. Its name was 'Flower Fox Ferret', how about I call you that?"

Fang Yuan ignored the White Sable's soft, lustrous white fur and spoke directly.

"Giggle?!"

"Mhm, if you don't object, then I'll take it that you agree. Flower Fox Ferret! Haha!"

Fang Yuan was extremely pleased, laughing brilliantly.

Outside the Secluded Valley.

"Uncle Lin, the expert you mentioned, is here?"

Zhou Wenxin and her brother, who had met Fang Yuan once before, were trekking through the mountains with several servants and Steward Lin.

Especially Zhou Wenxin, a young lady from a prominent family whose fingers had never touched the dirt, looked at the path that seemed to disappear ahead and felt like crying.

"Sigh... I advised you earlier, sister, that you could just wait at home for news. Why did you have to come with us through mountains and rivers?"

Second Brother Zhou advised.

"I just want to show filial piety to Father..."

Zhou Wenxin was already regretting her decision but pouted, refusing to admit it.

"Heh heh... Esteemed nephew and niece, the Secluded Valley is almost here!"

Steward Lin, on the other hand, had a ruddy complexion, wasn't even out of breath, and said with a chuckle, "As for the Heart-Questioning Hermit, he was a truly remarkable expert... Unfortunately, you've come at an inopportune time. He has already passed away, leaving behind only my nephew Fang. He has inherited some of his Medical Skill's True Inheritance. While he can't be said to be able to bring the dead back to life, he's quite good..."

In reality, Steward Lin wasn't very confident about Fang Yuan's Medical Skill.

However, he knew that the Heart-Questioning Hermit and his disciple were skilled at cultivation and lived deep in the mountains. They should have a good stock of aged medicinal herbs, perhaps including some rare treasures.

If he humbled himself, he might be able to obtain one or two plants and forge a connection with the Zhou Family.

Lei Yue has just joined the Gui Ling Sect. I should help her build good relationships!

Steward Lin naturally had his own considerations.

Otherwise, given his and Fang Yuan's current situation, meeting would only increase awkwardness. Why would he eagerly deliver himself to their doorstep again?

"What? Only one disciple?"

Zhou Wenxin's face turned red, and she was about to lash out, but the young man pulled her back. "This is Uncle Lin's kind intention. Don't we know what kind of person he is? Don't be impulsive!"

He then apologized to Steward Lin, "Please forgive my sister's rudeness. Uncle Lin, please don't be offended!"

"Heh heh... Your sister is innocent and lively. I envy her greatly!"

Steward Lin responded with a chuckle, secretly feeling fortunate in his heart that his own daughters weren't like Zhou Wenxin, otherwise, his household would truly be in turmoil.

As they spoke, the group arrived outside the Secluded Valley.

"Nephew!"

Steward Lin, seasoned by his experiences in the martial world, showed no embarrassment at all. His voice, full of vigor, carried far into the distance.

"Huh? Steward Lin? Why is he here again?"

Fang Yuan, who was weeding the Crimson Jade Rice field, looked up, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes. "I'll go take a look. Flower Fox Ferret, hide! Remember, no stealing the rice seedlings!"

This Flower Fox Ferret was too mysterious. Fang Yuan intended to keep it hidden as a trump card and naturally didn't want it to be seen by others.

"Giggle!"

The White Sable raised its head, glanced towards the valley entrance, a hint of disdain flashing in its clever large eyes. It lazily got up and disappeared into the plantation.

After the Flower Fox Ferret had completely vanished, Fang Yuan tidied his clothes and went to the valley entrance. "Uncle Lin! May I ask what brings you here this time?"

"Nephew, this time Uncle Lin has brought you two guests. Let me introduce you, this is..."

Steward Lin was smiling like a Maitreya Buddha, but in the next instant, Zhou Wenxin's sharp voice rang out, "You little thief!"

"Little thief?!"

Steward Lin and Second Brother Zhou were stunned.

"Second Brother, he! It's him... He's the one who insulted me!"

Zhou Wenxin's face turned red, and she was so angry she could barely speak coherently.

"Miss!"

Fang Yuan frowned. He naturally recognized this spoiled young lady.

However, her choice of words was a bit too ambiguous, wasn't it? Heaven knows, he hadn't even touched a finger of hers, so how could it be considered 'insulting'?

"You... what are you waiting for? Hurry up and catch him!"

Seeing Steward Lin and Second Brother Zhou still in a daze, Zhou Wenxin erupted again.

"Yes, Miss!"

Several burly servants nearby immediately stepped forward with displeased expressions.

"Wait a moment! There might be some misunderstanding here?"

Steward Lin stepped between them and said calmly, "This nephew of mine, I've practically watched him grow up since he was a child. He's absolutely not that kind of lecherous person!"

"You... you're the young man who sold the Red Ginseng that day?"

Brother Zhou looked at Fang Yuan and recognized him.

He was one of the people who knew about what happened that day, and he had even investigated it carefully afterward, but the results were both laughable and exasperating.

However, to be fair, Fang Yuan couldn't really be blamed.

"Heh heh... there might be some misunderstanding here..."

Seeing Steward Lin speak like this, he immediately said hastily, "Exactly! Exactly!"

As an elder brother, he naturally had to be a bit lenient with his younger sister. However, he had come with a request this time, so he could only muddle through and deal with it.