Thirty-odd fast horses, marching in orderly steps, passed the long queue at the city gate and entered the gates of Spirit City.
Leading the group was a tall woman with waist-length hair and a veil. The corner of the veil was lifted in the wind, revealing a stunningly beautiful face that left any lucky passersby stunned.
"Big sister, Spirit City has changed so much!"
"Yeah, I wonder if that breakfast place I used to like is still there."
The boys and girls behind the woman were looking around Spirit City while chattering away.
"Alright, you're all off today. I'll ask Dad about your plans tomorrow."
The woman clearly understood what her younger siblings meant, and reluctantly made the announcement. The crowd cheered and quickly dispersed into the streets and alleys.
The woman walked straight ahead, asked for directions to the current Pope, and headed directly towards the Pope Hall.
With a creak, the hall door opened a crack. The woman peeked inside, saw the woman busy at the table, a hint of nostalgia flashed in her eyes, and with a quick glance, she deliberately slipped quietly into the Pope Hall.
"You're not making a sound? Are you trying to scare me?"
Bibi Dong had already sensed someone's arrival, assuming it was Mo Chen, and didn't even raise her head when she spoke.
A pair of fair hands quietly covered Bibi Dong's eyes, and then a gruff voice rang in her ear.
Guess who I am?
Bibi Dong grabbed the hand in front of her, turned her head sharply, and when she saw who it was, her eyes lit up with great surprise.
" Xue'er!"
"Why are you back!"
Qian Renxue stepped forward, hugged Bibi Dong's arm, leaned affectionately on her shoulder, and said with a grin, "Didn't you miss your mother?"
"Hmph, you never even come back to see me more often. I'm always the one who has to go to see you."
"Mom, look, this is a gift I brought for you. I made this necklace myself."
Qian Renxue coughed a few times and quickly took out a string of pearl necklaces to divert Bibi Dong's attention.
After personally placing the necklace around Bibi Dong's neck, Qian Renxue stepped back a few paces, looked her over, and gave Bibi Dong a thumbs-up.
"As expected of my mother, this necklace suits you perfectly!"
"Hmph, your mother is getting old, all she knows is how to flatter me."
Bibi Dong said she was old, a smile had already spread across her face.
My daughter hasn't been home for years, but she still remembered to bring me a gift. Just that thought alone is enough to make me happy for days.
" Linger, Yuebai, Zhu Yun, and Zhu Qing, did they come back with you this time?"
"They're back. Only a few of the newcomers who just took the test stayed on the island; Auntie is helping to look after them."
"Come on, after get off work, let's go call your uncle and grandpa. The kids are all back today, let's have a good time together!"
Qian Renxue agreed and let Bibi Dong lead her to the courtyard from her memory.
"Mom, you have gray hair now."
"Silly child, you're twenty years old now, and your mother is getting old; it's time for her hair to turn gray."
Before the two even reached the courtyard, they heard lively conversations inside. Qian Renxue immediately recognized that her uncle's children had also been brought over.
As she entered the courtyard, Qian Renxue immediately spotted Qian Mochen standing in front of the stove.
"You're back! Go sit down and rest. We're looking forward to a delicious meal today!"
Qian Mochen smiled at his eldest daughter and stirred the fragrant dishes in the pot.
Qian Daoliu sat in the main seat, looking with satisfaction at the four tables in the courtyard that were packed with people.
Back then, during the New Year, it was just him, Qian Xunji, and young Mo Chen, the three of them eating alone. Who would have thought that twenty years later, the younger generation alone would fill three tables?
"Eat your fill, kids! Your uncle (dad) has lots of good stuff here, don't worry about eating him out of house and home!"
"If he has any objections, you should go directly to Grandpa. Grandpa will stand up for you!"
"Yay!"
"Grandpa, I know my dad has hidden three jars of fine wine that have been aged for twenty years!"
"Do you know the place?" Qian Daoliu, looking at Qian Yuebai who had spoken.
Ignoring his father's death stare, Qian Yuebai answered loudly, "I know!"
Qian Daoliu his hand and said, "Dig them all out for your dad. Today, let's savor the taste of this twenty-year-old vintage together!"
"Long live Grandpa!"
Qian Mochen's gaze followed Qian Yuebai, watching him pinpoint the flowerbed by the door. His heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally died.
Qian Mochen withdrew his gaze and looked at Ah Yin.
" Ah Yin, I think Yuebai's cultivation is too fast, and his foundation is somewhat unstable. This might affect his future ascension to godhood."
"Then what should we do?"
Ah Yin looked at Qian Mochen with concern.
"Starting tomorrow, have him come to the training ground with me for ten days to two weeks. I'll personally help him solidify his foundation."
"You!"
Upon hearing this, Ah Yin's tense expression dissipated, and she rolled her eyes at Qian Mochen. Honestly, it wasn't that Yuebai was unstable; this man was clearly just looking for an excuse to give his disobedient son a good beating.
"I'll talk to Yuebai myself later."
"Oh, and remember to get Zhu Qing out of there later."
As a father, Qian Mochen felt he couldn't resist his own spoiled daughter's pouting. But he had no such qualms about his son.
This time, he wanted to make Qian Yuebai remember what it felt like to have his Seven Wolves!
Before long, Qian Yuebai returned happily carrying four jars of wine. As soon as the seal was lifted, the golden liquid poured out, and a rich aroma began to fill the air.
Ah Yin took a sip, and the familiar taste reminded her what kind of wine it was.
The year Xue'er was born, Mo Chen buried a batch of wine, saying he would take it out when Xue'er got married, but Yuebai found it.
Yuebai is definitely going to get a beating, and as his mother, Ah Yin can do is prepare more medicine for his injuries.
After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Qian Yuebai glanced at the dispersing crowd and quickly pulled Zhu Qing away. If they didn't run fast, he was afraid he would never have the chance to leave in his lifetime.
" Zhu Qing!"
Ah Yin stepped in front of the two of them, saying, "I have something to tell you. Come here for a moment."
Seeing that her only source of strength was about to be taken away, Qian Yuebai repeatedly pleaded with her mother with her eyes. Ah Yin seemed not to see this and pulled Zhu Qing away.
An arm draped over Qian Yuebai's hand, gripping his shoulder so tightly it hurt. Qian Yuebai mechanically turned his head, meeting a pair of eyes that seemed to be smiling but weren't.
"Son, I think your foundation is a bit unstable. Let's go to the training ground, and Dad will give you a good boost!"
Qian Yuebai turned around uncontrollably, her eyes filled with utter despair.
Half a month later, just as Qian Yuebai's back and buttocks had begun to heal, Qian Mochen called him into the house.
" Yuebai, Zhu Qing, now that your cultivation has reached the Soul Emperor level, it's time for you to start getting involved in the affairs of my Spirit Hall. Ultimately, the Spirit Hall will need you to take over."
Qian Yuebai and Zhu Zhuqing did not object.
"Dad, what are our positions?"