On second thought, that made sense. They couldn't have Di Tian and the others sleeping on the streets every day. Having a fixed place to stay would make things more convenient, too.
"Lord, big brother, please come in." Xiong Jun pushed open the courtyard gate.
Gu Yuena stepped inside, glanced over the courtyard's layout, and gave a slight nod.
"Not bad. Di Tian has finally stopped being so rigid about things."
Tang San and Xiao Wu followed behind, their eyes wide with wonder.
This residence was far grander than the dormitory at Notting Academy. It had everything from pavilions to flowing streams, like the mansion of a wealthy family.
The two whispered to each other, their eyes full of curiosity.
The group headed farther in. They had just crossed the front courtyard when Di Tian came out of the main hall.
Seeing Shen Qingling and Gu Yuena, he bowed slightly. "Lord, Dragon Consort."
Xiong Jun immediately leaned toward Di Tian's ear. "Di Tian, call him big brother!"
"Big brother!" Di Tian froze.
So he was supposed to call him big brother?
"I understand!"
Di Tian spoke softly. "Big brother, what would you like me to do this time?"
"Di Tian, you've spent a long time in Star Dou Forest. Do you have any herbs that can strengthen the body?"
"Herbs!" Di Tian thought for a moment. "Big brother, give me a moment. I'll have to ask Bi Ji about some of them. She keeps most of the herbs we've brought back."
"Go ahead!"
Di Tian nodded and hurried to the garden in the back to find Bi Ji, while Shen Yifeng and Gu Yuena sat down in the main hall.
"Xiao San, Xiao Wu, sit down and rest for a while, too."
"Yes, teacher." Tang San and Xiao Wu took their seats, imitating Shen Yifeng.
Tang San looked around, unable to help marveling inwardly at how huge the place was. Buying a property like this in Heaven Dou City must have cost a fortune.
Thinking of how his teacher still lived in the academy dormitory made his heart ache a little.
No, he had to find a way. He had to earn enough to buy his teacher an even better residence, somewhere he could live comfortably.
Once a teacher, always a father.
It was only right for him to do this. And once his mother recovered, she could live there, too.
Right, he'd make Hidden Weapons and sell them for money. That was the plan!
There were so many Immortal Herbs at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. They could definitely be used to make plenty of valuable things.
Xiong Jun brewed four cups of tea and brought one to each of them.
Gu Yuena cupped hers in both hands, took a small sip, and smiled.
"Xiong Jun, I've never seen you so attentive before."
Xiong Jun gave a sheepish laugh.
"I've finally wised up. I've seen plenty of things since coming to Heaven Dou City."
Everyone could improve, let alone a Soul Beast.
Tang San blinked and studied the muscles on Xiong Jun's arms.
"Uncle Xiong, what level would you say you're at?"
Anyone his teacher knew had to be extraordinary.
"Level?" Xiong Jun froze, clearly not expecting a little kid to ask him that.
Xiong Jun cleared his throat.
"Good question. Your Uncle Xiong is powerful. I can take on a Titled Douluo one-on-one without breaking a sweat. I know your teacher, who's also my big brother. If you ever have a problem, come find me here. Anyone who dares bully you, just watch me beat the stuffing out of them!"
Though he was no match for the Lord or his future big brother, he could now take on even a Titled Douluo. He might struggle a little against the very strongest, but that was no problem.
Shen Qingling watched Xiong Jun show off his muscles to Tang San and Xiao Wu. He covered his forehead helplessly. Xiong Jun was getting conceited, too.
Xiao San, your Uncle Xiong is a monster!
Before long, Di Tian returned from the back garden with Bi Ji. She carried two smooth jade boxes in her hands and walked with graceful steps. Having spent so long among flowers and plants, she carried a natural floral fragrance.
The five of them caught the scent almost at once, and all turned to look at Bi Ji.
"Big brother, Lord." Bi Ji gave a slight curtsy and set the jade boxes on the table. "Di Tian said you wanted herbs to strengthen the body. I have two here."
She opened the first jade box. A piece of azure wood, about as long as a forearm, lay inside. A pale blue glow shimmered across its bark, and its winding patterns resembled a blue dragon. A cool aura slowly spread from it.
"This is Azure Sky Profound Yin Wood. It can enhance vitality and strengthen the body's defenses."
Tang San's eyes lit up. He stared intently at the wood in the jade box, his heart brimming with delight.
Wasn't this exactly what he needed most? With this, he could take his physique to the next level.
Bi Ji opened the second jade box. A small, pinkish-white Lingzhi shaped like a tender bamboo shoot lay inside, giving off a sweet fragrance.
"This is Pink Bamboo Lingzhi. It's best suited to agility-attack and flexible-attribute Soul Masters. It can improve the body's flexibility and explosive power, as well as stabilize the foundation of their Soul Power. I think Miss Xiao Wu would benefit the most."
Xiao Wu blinked and clenched her fist happily. Her teacher truly hadn't forgotten her.
As expected of her teacher. Xiao Wu looked again at Shen Qingling's handsome face, and once more felt an urge to dote on him with motherly affection.
Shen Qingling looked over the two herbs and gave a small nod.
"Excellent. You've been thoughtful, Bi Ji."
Di Tian stood to the side and spoke in a low voice.
"If big brother needs any other medicinal herbs, just say the word. We still have plenty in reserve at home, and can bring them over anytime."
As long as big brother needed something, they would do everything they could to provide it.
"No need. These are more than enough. Prepare a room and let Xiao San and Xiao Wu absorb them." Shen Qingling instructed.
Di Tian nodded. "Rest assured, big brother. I'll make the arrangements right away. Xiao San, Xiao Wu, come with me."
"Go with Uncle Snake Di Tian," Shen Qingling said.
At Shen Qingling's word, Tang San and Xiao Wu followed Di Tian away.
Only after the two had left did Shen Qingling speak. "Bi Ji, tell me. What happened over the past year?"
Bi Ji sat down beside them and slowly began recounting what had happened over the past year in detail.
Most of their income that year came from the Soul Bones stockpiled in Star Dou Forest. They sold some through regular arrangements to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Both were major sects among the Upper Three Sects, and their offers were fair and reliable, saving them a great deal of trouble.
As for the rare, top-grade Soul Bones, they sent them to Heaven Dou City's major auction houses, where they often sold for several times their expected price.
Besides that, she would occasionally conceal her identity and treat nobles suffering from chronic illnesses.
Those families were wealthy, and they paid lavishly to save their lives. The consultation fees were substantial, and over time, she had managed to save quite a bit.
All told, their income was more than enough to buy the residence and cover daily expenses, herb supplies, and the cost of accommodating their Soul Beast companions. They had no need to worry about making ends meet.
Shen Qingling nodded slightly after hearing her out. This seemed like a prudent arrangement: they wouldn't have to make a living through fighting and killing, and it was less likely to expose their identities as Soul Beasts. They could quietly put down roots in Heaven Dou City, where it would also be convenient to get things done.
Gu Yuena took a sip of tea and spoke evenly.
"Seems reliable enough. Keep to this approach, and don't leave any loose ends that might cause unnecessary trouble."
"Understood." Bi Ji gave a slight curtsy. "Lord and big brother, rest assured. Everything is in order."
Shen Qingling said, "You've worked hard. Where did the others go?"
"Let me think... Zi JI is probably still at the casino right now!"
Before you continue