The spring breeze brushed his face, carrying the scents of grass, trees, and earth, and filling him with a long-lost sense of ease.
His mind had been stretched taut throughout these two months of grueling cultivation. Only now did he truly relax.
He soon arrived before several courtyards halfway up the mountain. They were the residences of Lin Gong, Yang Kai, and the others. Though smaller than the Peak Master's main hall, they carried a little more of the warmth of everyday life.
Even from afar, he could hear laughter and chatter drifting from the courtyard.
"Everyone, I, Lin Gong, thank you all for today! When I bring my wife home, I'll treat everyone to a proper feast!" Lin Gong's booming voice carried a touch of bold pride.
Li Bufan paused, an unexpected smile appearing on his face.
Getting married? When had this guy set the date? He quickened his pace, stepped into the courtyard, and called out, "Brother Gong, when did this happen? Why didn't you wait for me?"
Seven or eight people were seated around together in the courtyard, with several jars of wine and a few plates of small dishes laid out in the middle.
Lin Gong stood at the center, his face glowing with health. Yang Kai, Wang Mingxuan, Zheng Haonan, and several familiar faces sat beside him—all old friends from Qi State. At the sound of Li Bufan's voice, everyone looked up together.
Lin Gong's eyes lit up, and he rose with a hearty laugh. "You brat, you finally showed yourself! We couldn't find you no matter how we looked before. The doors to the Peak Master's main hall were shut tight, and no one answered even after we knocked for ages."
Li Bufan walked over and sat down beside them, casually grabbing a jar