Great Bamboo Peak.
The dining hall.
"Master."
"Have you gotten a little fatter lately?"
"You can barely fasten your belt."
Ye Xuan paused with his chopsticks and grinned at Tian Buyi.
"You insolent brat!"
"Is that any way to talk to your master?"
The smile on Tian Buyi's face instantly froze.
"Buyi."
"Seventh's not wrong. You really should lose a little weight."
Su Ru covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes sparkling.
"Father."
"Look at Senior Brother and the others. They've all gotten thinner lately, but you're the only one who's gotten fatter."
Tian Ling'er chimed in from the side.
Just then—
Zhang Xiaofan came in carrying a large basin of steaming porridge.
Little Gray sat on his shoulder, nibbling on half a steamed bun.
"Master, Mistress, Senior Brothers, it's time to eat."
Zhang Xiaofan set the basin in the middle of the table and served everyone a bowl.
His movements were quick and steady.
When he reached Ye Xuan, Zhang Xiaofan's hand paused.
"Um... Master."
He set down the bowl and rubbed his apron awkwardly.
"What is it?"
"Did that monkey steal food from the kitchen again?"
Tian Buyi blew on his hot porridge and asked casually.
"No."
Zhang Xiaofan shook his head and took a deep breath, as if gathering his courage.
"I... I think I've made a breakthrough."
"Pfft—"
Du Bishu, who had been drinking porridge, spat it out.
Luckily, Lu Daxin was quick to react and immediately raised a spiritual energy barrier.
"Cough, cough, cough! Ninth, what did you say?"
Du Bishu's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief.
"You broke through? To the Fourth Layer of Jade Purity?"
The dining hall fell silent.
Everyone's gaze turned to the honest-looking young man.
Three months ago, hadn't the kid only just reached the Third Layer of Jade