Early the next morning, when Xiao Dan opened her door, Xu Feng had already finished a round of saber practice in the courtyard.
Morning light slanted down from the eaves and fell across him, peaceful and serene.
Xiao Dan stood beneath the covered walkway and watched for a while without speaking, a relaxed smile on her face.
All the pressure of the past few years had vanished the moment her dad arrived.
Sometimes, she wondered whether she had yet to grow up, whether she was too weak, always relying on her dad.
But thinking about it now, that did not seem so bad.
"You're awake?" Noticing Xiao Dan, Xu Feng sheathed his saber and asked with a smile.
Xiao Dan walked over and sat on a stone stool. "Dad, when did you get back last night?"
"After midnight." Xu Feng sat opposite her, took the cup of water she offered, and drank a mouthful. "Everything's taken care of."
Xiao Dan did not ask for details. Looking at the blue stone paving in the courtyard, where saber marks had shaved away the surface, she suddenly asked, "Dad, when are we going home?"
"Soon, but I need to wait a while. Black Gold Demon City still owes me some precious medicinal herbs.
"Go wake Tuhe and Ah Kun. I have something to tell you all."
Xiao Dan agreed and turned to knock on the neighboring door.
Before long, Tuhe emerged with a bamboo staff, Ah Kun following behind. Both still looked sleepy.
As long as Xu Feng was there, they all seemed at ease.
Even the ever-vigilant Ah Kun seemed as relaxed as if at home.
Xu Feng had them sit at the stone table before quietly explaining his plans.
First, there were still three months to wait for the Origin-Opening Herb,